(Middletown, 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 for improvements to the historic Paramount Theatre. The grant was secured through the State Municipal Facilities Program, funding for which was secured in the 2017-2018 State Budget.

The City of Middletown took control of the Paramount Theatre in 1996 and currently operates the theatre. With this grant money, the City plans to renovate the box office window by making it ADA compliant, ADA compliant doors for the storefronts on each side of the theatre, as well re-purposing seats in the theatres to make them accessible for wheelchairs. The rest of the grant will be used for replacing tiles located outside the main entrance and replacing the frames and glass of the two storefronts, which will be more energy efficient.

“The historic Paramount Theatre serves as the cultural center of the City of Middletown and I am pleased to help the City make necessary improvements to the facility,” said Senator Bonacic. “Not only will this grant be used to make upgrades at the theatre, it will save City of Middletown taxpayers money.”

City of Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano said, “The Paramount Theatre is a cultural hub and a vital piece of history in the City of Middletown. By making the theatre ADA compliant, we can assure that everyone who comes to the Paramount Theatre has an enjoyable experience. I thank Senator Bonacic for his continued support of our City.”