Mineola has started a $2.8 million renovation of its community center, with work expected to modernize recreation and meeting spaces and be completed by June 2027.
New York is supporting the project with a $1.13 million Empire State Development grant. The center at 155 Washington Ave. serves residents of all ages and hosts village events and programs run by nonprofit, veterans, senior, athletic and civic groups.
The project will renovate the gymnasium, classrooms and kitchen while replacing aging heating and cooling equipment. It also calls for a new multipurpose gym floor, wall padding, lighting, classroom windows and audiovisual equipment.
Plans include upgrades to the stage, additional storage, new recreation office space and replacement of the building's boiler. State officials said the project is expected to create 10 full-time jobs.
Aging systems have disrupted programs
Village and state officials said unreliable building systems have limited use of the center and occasionally interrupted programming. The renovation is intended to provide a more dependable year-round space for sports, summer programs, senior activities and community events.
Mineola Mayor Paul Pereira said the building had long needed repairs and upgrades. He said thousands of residents have used the center over the years, including youth athletes, summer campers and older adults.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the groundbreaking Thursday, describing the center as a shared community resource. Empire State Development is administering the state grant.
Funding tied to pro-housing certification
The $1.13 million award came through Empire State Development's Capital Improvements for Pro-Housing Communities Program during Round 14 of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
Mineola was the first municipality on Long Island and among the first in New York to earn the state's Pro-Housing Community certification. The designation recognizes municipalities that have committed to supporting housing growth and can make them eligible for certain state funding programs.
Empire State Development President Hope Knight said the project is intended to replace aging parts of the facility while preserving its role in local recreation and community programming.
The governor's announcement listed June 2027 as the anticipated completion date. Pereira said the work would be finished in time for next summer, but the release did not provide a more specific opening date or construction schedule.
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