07/22/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano Welcomes Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Paula Kay to O&W Station Project; Announces $1 Million State Investment for RECAP Head Start Center
MIDDLETOWN, NY – Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano today welcomed New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay to the City of Middletown's historic O&W Station project, where they announced a $1 million state investment to support the construction of RECAP's new Head Start and childcare center.
Mayor DeStefano thanked Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Kay for recognizing the importance of one of the region's most transformative redevelopment projects and for their continued commitment to investing in children, families and the future of the City of Middletown.
"We are deeply grateful to Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Paula Kay for their support of this remarkable project," said Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano. "This additional $1 million investment brings RECAP one step closer to fulfilling its funding commitment and helps reduce the financial burden associated with this $44 million public-private partnership. Their commitment demonstrates what can be accomplished when state and local government work together to revitalize historic landmarks while investing in our youngest residents."
The former Ontario & Western Railway Station, one of Middletown's most recognizable historic buildings, is being restored through a partnership between the City of Middletown and the Regional Economic Community Action Program (RECAP). Once completed, the facility will house a state-of-the-art Head Start and childcare center featuring ten classrooms, a multipurpose room, administrative offices, and an outdoor playground while preserving the building's historic architecture.
The overall redevelopment represents an investment of more than $44 million, financed through a combination of City funding, federal and state historic tax credits, New Market Tax Credits, grants, and other public and private resources. RECAP's share of the project is approximately $10 million, and the organization continues to pursue additional funding opportunities to complete its portion of the project.
Mayor DeStefano also acknowledged the tremendous efforts of Assemblymember Paula Kay, whose advocacy has been instrumental in securing funding for the project.
"Assemblymember Kay has been an outstanding partner and tireless advocate for Middletown," Mayor DeStefano said. "She has worked diligently to secure state funding for this project and countless others that are making a real difference in our community. We sincerely appreciate her continued leadership and commitment."
The Mayor also expressed his appreciation to Speaker Heastie for taking the time to visit Middletown and see firsthand the progress being made.
"Speaker Heastie's visit underscores the significance of this project, not only for Middletown but for the entire Hudson Valley," Mayor DeStefano added. "This investment will provide high-quality early childhood education, preserve an important piece of our history, create jobs, and strengthen our community for generations to come."
Mayor DeStefano also recognized the ongoing partnership with RECAP, whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing the project.
"RECAP has been an exceptional partner throughout this process. Their commitment to expanding early childhood education and family services aligns perfectly with our vision for the O&W Station as a place that serves our community every day."
Construction continues on the adaptive reuse of the historic station, with the City and RECAP working collaboratively to bring new life to one of Middletown's most treasured landmarks while creating expanded educational opportunities for hundreds of local children and families.
