The Newburgh Armory on South Washington St.
By Nancy Peckenham
A 25-year contract between the city of Newburgh and the Newburgh Armory Unity Center won approval Monday night, despite an appeal from city councilwoman Christine Bello to study the contract more closely first.
The city council took action on the proposed contract that has been under negotiation for about six months. It will allow the Newburgh Armory Unity Center to manage the 60,000 square foot building and 12 acres of adjoining grounds “to benefit the citizens of the city” by providing recreational opportunities to disadvantaged youth and other community events. The city retains ownership of the property.
Since the city purchased the building for $1 from the state last July, the gymnasium has been renovated and on weekends dozens of young athletes and their families crowd into the building to play basketball, soccer and other sports.
Coach Jim Gagliano coaches one of several basketball teams at the Newburgh Armory.
Dierdre Glenn, the director of the Unity Center, told city council members that $2.2 million of renovations are planned to make the entire building functional. One project she mentioned is a new roof that will allow the group to utilize the second-floor rooms.
Glenn also said that major funders who are considering investing in the rehabilitation and operation of the Armory want to know that the facility has a long-term viable future – and that’s why her group asked for a 25-year contract. The city approved an earlier managing agreement with the Unity Center for a three-year term in January
Councilwoman Christine Bello said she agrees with the mission of the Newburgh Armory Unity Center but had questions about some parts of the contract, which she said she had received in its final form just before the meeting. Bello, who filed her petition to run for Mayor of the city earlier Monday, was the lone council member to vote against the contract.
Councilwoman Bell praised the role the Armory plays in the community, calling it a “win, win, win.” Mayor Nicholas Valentine also spoke in favor of a long-term contract, noting that two city officials sit on the board of the Unity Center, guaranteeing city oversight.
The new gymnasium is the centerpiece of the refurbished Armory. Photo from the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh.
The Unity Center is planning a public meeting at the Armory on Monday, July 18 at 6 pm to discuss the long-term mission of the Unity Center and the next phase of investment in the facility. The announcement of the meeting includes a description of the current project for the Drill Hall to become a multi-sports complex that can also be used for exhibitions and events.
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