Developing Middletown

 In 2020 the Ribbon was cut on the City of Middletown's Reservoir Trails, over 8 miles for residents to hike, bike, walk and run. DeStefano and Rodrigues also worked with local and state officials to help bring the 17-mile Heritage Trail to the City of Middletown. The walkway is used by more than half a million Orange County residents and now offers residents even more recreational opportunities. 

 The centerpiece of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, the old Woolworth Building on North Street was restored and renovated into a new retail center, Rail Trail Commons. The building had been unoccupied for more than 20 years but now houses five businesses. Rail Trail Commons also serves as a connector to the Heritage Trail extension that recently opened in Middletown.  

  DeStefano and Rodrigues continually work with state and local officials to expand recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. Partially funded by state grants, The future Richard P. Wolslayer Athletic Field will be the centerpiece of a 15-acre property that will also house the new home of the City of Middletown Parks and Recreation department. The project is an investment of nearly $2 million. 

  Middletown Skate Park was the first piece in a $1.6 million redevelopment project that will house a public art installation and 2,000 square-foot pavilion at Erie Way Park. The park is the future home of the Farmer's Market as well as performances and events.  DeStefano and Rodrigues worked with city officials to utilize part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant for this important project. 

Middletown has been home to Orange County Community College/SUNY Orange and other career-learning programs for decades. Under Mayor DeStefano’s vision, the small city has become an academic hub with the addition of Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine at the old Horton Hospital site and Fei Tian Academy of the Arts secondary school at Middletown Community Campus.  

  Also part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the Orchard Street lot, James Street Lots, and Henry Street have been reconstructed. In addition, one of Middletown's most-beloved parks, Festival Square has received a makeover. DeStefano and Rodrigues have continually fought for funding that would benefit both residents and businesses in Middletwn.