KINGSTON, NY — Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez joined state and local leaders today at the Albert Brown Community Center to celebrate NY BRICKS investments supporting the renovation of community centers across the Mid-Hudson region.
The event highlighted recent NY BRICKS awards to projects in the City of Kingston, the Town of Marbletown, and the Red Hook Community Center, which will support renovations to existing facilities that serve as vital hubs for recreation, programming, and essential services for children, families, and seniors.
“NY BRICKS reflects Governor Hochul’s commitment to investing in the everyday places that strengthen our communities,” said DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez. “By supporting the renovation of trusted community centers, this program helps ensure that kids have safe places to play, families have places to connect, and seniors have spaces to stay active and engaged. At DASNY, we’re proud to partner with municipalities and nonprofit organizations to help turn that vision into real, lasting improvements for communities across the Mid-Hudson region and throughout New York State.”
The investments celebrated at the event are part of the Governor’s broader Unplug and Play initiative, a coordinated statewide effort to expand access to recreational and community spaces. To date, the initiative has delivered $200 million through NY SWIMS to support swimming facilities, $63 million through NY PLAYS to build and renovate playgrounds, and $100 million through NY BRICKS to strengthen community centers across New York State. Together, these investments reflect a comprehensive approach to supporting physical health, mental well-being, and real-world connection by strengthening the everyday places where New Yorkers gather and stay active.
DASNY administers the NY BRICKS program on behalf of New York State, partnering with municipalities and nonprofit organizations to help move projects forward and deliver long-term community benefits.
Kingston Mayor Steve Noble said, “This is a direct investment in Kingston’s people and neighborhoods. NY BRICKS funding allows us to modernize the Albert Brown Community Center and strengthen a space that serves as a daily anchor for youth programs, family services, and senior activities. These dollars translate into safer facilities, expanded programming, and long-term community benefit. We thank Governor Hochul and DASNY for delivering resources that make an immediate and tangible difference for Kingston residents.”
Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “Across the Hudson Valley, community centers play a vital role in daily life, from hosting programs for seniors to after-school care for kids and providing safe gathering places for people to turn to during emergencies. We’re thrilled that Kingston, Red Hook, and Marbletown have been awarded state funding to upgrade and renovate their community centers, and we look forward to these projects helping our communities for years to come.”
Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha said, “Community centers are where our constituents come together to build our social fabric,” said “NY BRICKS represents a direct investment in these physical places that hold our communities together at a time when it is so very much needed. We look forward to the upgrade in facilities we'll see in Kingston, Marbletown, and Red Hook as a result of this investment. As always, the state has a critical role to play in supporting local infrastructure that improves lives across the Mid-Hudson region, and I'm glad to be here today to celebrate this effort.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said, "Community centers are the heart of our neighborhoods, providing space for everything from after-school programs, senior meals, and Zumba classes to town meetings, voting sites, and emergency shelters. Governor Kathy Hochul and DASNY understand how important these gathering spaces are to a community’s quality of life and resiliency, and the NY BRICKS investments will ensure that the Marbletown and Kingston community centers continue to serve the diverse needs of their communities for generations to come."
Town of Marbletown Supervisor Rich Parete said, “The NY BRICKS grant represents a significant and direct investment in Marbletown—delivering a lasting public asset that strengthens community connections, supports the important work of local organizations, and enhances quality of life for residents of all ages. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to investing in community infrastructure that ensures our shared spaces remain safe, accessible, and welcoming for years to come.”
Town of Marbletown Supervisor Rich Parete said, “The NY BRICKS grant represents a significant and direct investment in Marbletown—delivering a lasting public asset that strengthens community connections, supports the important work of local organizations, and enhances quality of life for residents of all ages. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to investing in community infrastructure that ensures our shared spaces remain safe, accessible, and welcoming for years to come.”
Sara Ugolini, Executive Director of The Red Hook Community Center said, “The Red Hook Community Center exists because of a deep belief in investing in people and community,” said Sara Ugolini, Executive Director of the Red Hook Community Center. NY BRICKS funding is a direct investment in the space that allows us to provide free, multigenerational programming—from youth activities to senior services—for hundreds of residents each week. We’re grateful to Governor Hochul and DASNY for strengthening a community asset that brings people together every day.”