The new gymnasium is the centerpiece of the refurbished Armory.. Photo from the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh.
After a successful opening weekend of activities at the newly refurbished Newburgh Armory, in which more than 3,000 people took part in a series of activities, the Unity for the Community Committee has been brainstorming about the future use of the building on South Williams Street.
The committee members include people from a variety of groups, including the Elaine and William Kaplan Family Foundation, colleges, the school district, county and other organizations.
Mr. Kaplan advised the committee that a group of apolitical citizens have come together to offer the city a gift in the form of a nonprofit entity (501c3) that would manage and facilitate the development of programming for the Armory. There would be no cost to the city and the council would have representation on the entity’s Board. The nonprofit will focus on education and recreation activities for youth and also host other events that would contribute to the operating expenses of the Armory. The goal is to make Armory operations self sustaining and profitable for the city.
The committee recommends hiring a director who would manage the day-to-day operations of the Armory, facilitate the efforts of the various organizations that would use the Armory, seek out opportunities for profit-making ventures and see to the future good health of the property and its activities.
Committee members will present their ideas to the Newburgh City Council at a work session at 6 pm today, December 9th and invite all interested parties to join them.
In a written statement, the committee noted, “This is just the beginning of the impact the Newburgh Armory will have on the community and its residents. The commitment of Mr. Kaplan and dedication of the volunteers will ensure success for all. “
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