$7.4 Million in NY BRICKS Awards Strengthen Community Centers Across Rockland and Westchester Counties

Investments support projects in Rockland and Westchester Counties that expand access to safe, affordable community spaces

HAVERSTRAW, NY - Robert J. Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) today highlighted nearly $7.4 million in NY BRICKS awards supporting community center projects across the Lower Hudson Valley.

View pictures from the eventhere.

The funding will support construction and renovation projects in Rockland and Westchester counties, strengthening local facilities that promote physical health, mental well-being and community connections for families, children and seniors. These investments advance Governor Hochul's Unplug and Play initiative, which expands access to affordable and accessible spaces where New Yorkers can gather, stay active and access essential services.

Statewide, the NY BRICKS (Building Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors) program awarded 30 grants totaling $100 million across 22 counties. The awards will benefit nearly 400,000 New Yorkers through free or low-cost programming and services.

Investments in the Lower Hudson Valley
In Haverstraw, a $4.56 million NY BRICKS award supports the addition and renovation of the Haverstraw Center. The project will expand space for community programming and improve accessibility for residents who rely on the center for services and engagement opportunities.

In Monsey, Community Outreach Center, Inc. received a $2 million award to support expansion and renovation of its facility at 21 Remsen Avenue. The project will strengthen Rockland County's central hub for assistance with government programs, housing, healthcare coverage and essential community services.

In Port Chester, The Carver Center received an $863,972 award to support facility renovations that will enhance youth programming, educational services and community engagement in Westchester County.

Together, these projects reflect New York State's commitment to investing in high-impact community infrastructure that strengthens neighborhoods and expands opportunity across the Lower Hudson Valley.

These projects are part of Governor Hochul's broader Unplug and Play initiative - a statewide effort to strengthen recreational and community infrastructure while encouraging families to stay active and connected. Through NY SWIMS, more than $200 million has been awarded to over 50 projects statewide to construct new swimming pools, modernize aging facilities and expand access to safe swim instruction and cooling resources. NY BRICKS is investing $100 million in community centers across 22 counties, and NY PLAYS will open its application period in May 2026 to support additional recreational infrastructure projects across the state. Together, these programs are transforming community infrastructure across New York State. Together, these programs are transforming community infrastructure across New York State.

DASNY President & CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "NY BRICKS is delivering real infrastructure investments in communities across New York State. In the Lower Hudson Valley, these projects will expand capacity, modernize aging facilities and strengthen the community spaces that families rely on every day. DASNY is proud to partner with local leaders to ensure these investments move efficiently from award to construction, and we thank Governor Hochul for her continued leadership in prioritizing community infrastructure."

Village of Haverstraw Mayor Michael Kohut said, "The Village of Haverstraw is extremely happy and excited to have been awarded over $4.5 million from the NY BRICKS grant to support and expand the mission of the Haverstraw Center. Our center serves the youth of our exceptionally diverse community and provides alcohol and substance abuse counseling to them and the community at large. This money to expand our building will allow us to expand services, including to our senior population, and together with the funds from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, it will allow us to provide quality outdoor recreation space adjacent to our center. Without NY BRICKS it is doubtful the Village would have ever been able to accomplish this expansion. It will make a program with significant impact in our community even bigger and better."

Community Outreach Center Executive Director, Rabbi Hersh Horowitz said, "The NY BRICKS award is a powerful investment in the Community Outreach Center and in the people of Monsey who rely on this space every day. Our center serves as a hub for families, youth, and seniors, offering programs and support that strengthen our community and bring people together. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of these local institutions and for making targeted investments that ensure our facilities remain safe, welcoming, and able to meet the needs of our community for years to come."

Carver Center CEO, Ann Bradner said, "Port Chester Carver Center is thrilled to have received an Award through New York State's Bricks Program. The funds will help us make critical improvements to our beloved facility that supports important work to nourish, educate and empower Port Chester residents."

Assemblyman Patrick Carroll (D-Rockland) said, "Thank you to Governor Hochul for recognizing the importance of community-centered investments like this. This funding through New York's BRICKS program is a meaningful win for Haverstraw and the families who rely on the Haverstraw Center each day. Spaces like this play a vital role-supporting young people, providing resources for those in recovery, and bringing residents of all ages together. This investment will help ensure Haverstraw continues to grow as a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.

About DASNY
Founded in 1944, DASNY is New York State's capital project development authority. It finances and constructs sustainable and resilient science, health and education institutions that help New York thrive. It is one of the largest issuers of tax-exempt bonds in the nation with an outstanding bond portfolio of approximately $65.4 billion as of December 31, 2025. DASNY is also a prolific public builder with a construction pipeline of approximately 1,000 projects valued at more than $13 billion as of March 31, 2025. To learn more about DASNY, visit www.dasny.org.