FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 8, 2025

Mayor Noble Announces $3M Award for Albert Brown Neighborhood Center Renovation

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce that the City of Kingston has been awarded $3 million to support renovations at the Albert Brown Community Center (formerly the Rondout Neighborhood Center) through the New York State Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors (NY BRICKS) capital grant program.

Mayor Noble said, “We are thrilled to receive this grant funding from the State, which will help us complete a much-needed renovation at the Albert Brown Community Center. Once we conduct a full assessment of existing conditions, we’ll better understand the scope of the project, and the additional funding that would be needed to get the project across the finish line. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued investment in Kingston.”

An RFP for engineering and design services will be released as soon as the grant contract with New York State is executed. The professional design services will include a design report that identifies the existing conditions and recommendations for comprehensive repairs with cost estimates. The construction project will, at minimum, entail renovating two first-floor bathrooms to meet ADA compliance and demolition of two second-floor locker/shower rooms to construct two additional ADA-compliant bathrooms. The project will also include the installation of a stair lift in the first-floor split-level corridor.

The City of Kingston previously received a grant from the NYS Office of Children and Family Services for $300,000 for this project, which was previously known as the Rondout Community Center Improvements Project. While the formal renaming of the center took place in August 2025, a public re-naming ceremony will be held this spring.

Director of Parks and Recreation Lynsey Timbrouck said, “We are excited to receive such amazing news! The Albert Brown Community Center is long overdue for these much-needed improvements. I look forward to seeing the progress unfold as we continue to update our various facilities for the community.”

Governor Kathy Hochul announced 30 awards totaling $100 million The grants will support municipalities and nonprofit organizations across New York State in building or renovating community centers that promote physical health, mental well-being, and community connections for youth and older adults. The awards, which will benefit nearly 400,000 New Yorkers across the State, are funded from the $100 million NY BRICKS program, which Governor Hochul secured in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget.

“Today, we're delivering on our commitment to build stronger, healthier communities in every corner of New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “NY BRICKS grants will create affordable and accessible spaces where kids can play, families can connect, and seniors can stay active and engaged. I'm proud to see this funding reach 30 communities, and I look forward to seeing these centers come to life.”

The NY BRICKS grants will fund projects in 22 counties across New York State, reflecting the statewide reach and geographic diversity of the program. More than 90 percent of funding awarded will support projects in underserved communities. Awards range from $260,000 to $15 million and will support design, construction, renovation, and land acquisition for community centers. Projects were selected based on demonstrated need, community impact, and viability, with priority given to underserved communities and facilities offering affordable services like childcare, eldercare, and mental health counseling.

The NY BRICKS program emphasizes the need for equitable, high-impact community centers that support youth, families, seniors and disadvantaged communities through accessible recreational programming, safe gathering spaces, and essential services such as childcare, eldercare, and mental health support. All awarded projects require a 20 percent matching contribution from recipients.

Read the Governor’s full announcement here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-100-million-ny-bricks-grants-30-community-center-projects-statewide