(Albany, NY)- State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) announced today that the City of Middletown has been awarded a $100,000 grant, which will help the city make improvements to the Paramount Theatre. The grant was secured through the State and Municipal Facilities program, money for which was appropriated in the 2016-2017 State Budget.

The historic Paramount Theatre is a beautiful 1,100 seat theatre built in 1929 and opened in June 1930. The city took control of the Parmount in 1996, and currently operates the theatre. With the grant funding, the City intends to replace the main entrance doors of the theatre, scrape and paint two sets of fire escapes, repair the interior ceilings, and restore and repair the marquee and façade.

“I’m pleased to have been able to secure this grant for the City of Middletown’s Paramount Theatre which will save the local taxpayers money,” said Senator Bonacic. “Anyone who lives in Middletown knows how important this theatre is to the make-up of this community.”

Said City of Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano, “The Paramount Theatre is a cultural hub and a vital piece of history in the City of Middletown. With the $100,000 grant, the City can maintain its beauty while providing necessary updates to keep the theatre running.”