Town of Newstead receives 5 million in federal funding for community center

Congressman Nick Langworthy, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand recently announced $5,000,000 in federal Community Project Funding for the Town of Newstead to construct a new, state-of-the-art Community Center that will serve residents of all ages and strengthen the town’s long-term quality of life, accessibility, and emergency preparedness.  The funding was included as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Consolidated Appropriations bill signed into law last week.

Langworthy’s announcement of the funding last week noted that Community Project Funding allows Members of Congress to advocate directly for local priorities and ensure federal resources are invested where they have the greatest impact, and stated that Congressman Langworthy has delivered more than $20 million in federal funding across New York’s 23rd Congressional District through these targeted investments

Schumer and Gillibrand announced that the Newstead Center is part of  $9,275,000 in federal funding secured for Western New York projects.

The five million dollars in funding for the Town of Newstead will support the construction of a 32,000-square-foot Community Center designed to replace and expand upon existing, inadequate community space. The new facility will include a flexible Senior Center, multipurpose rooms, classrooms, fitness and recreation areas, and a gymnasium. It will also serve as a designated emergency warming shelter equipped with backup power to support residents during severe weather events and emergencies.

“The Town of Newstead has outgrown its existing facilities, and while that’s a good problem to have, it was important to deliver a real solution,” said Congressman Nick Langworthy. “I was proud to secure this $5 million investment so residents can enjoy a new, modern community center without placing an added burden on local taxpayers. This space will serve the entire community, from seniors and families to being a critical hub during emergencies. I thank Supervisor Dawn Izydorczak for bringing this worthy project to my attention and I can’t wait to see it come to life for residents of all ages.”

“This project reflects extensive public input and exemplifies sustainable, inclusive community development. Without external funding, the full project cost would impose a significant burden on local taxpayers. Federal investment is critical to ensuring this essential community resource becomes a reality for the Town of Newstead and the Village of Akron,” Schumer and Gillibrand’s announcement stated.

“The Town of Newstead is honored to have our Community Center project selected for $5,000,000.00 in Congressional funding. With the help of Congressman Langworthy, working in a bi-partisan effort with Senator Schumer, the Town will now be able to begin work on a very important project for our community. This Community Center will provide a much-needed new home for our Senior Citizens as well as serving the recreational needs of every age group in our community. The Center will offer Senior programs, sporting programs, art classes, educational classes, and more. It will be a place for our residents to socialize and exercise. I thank the members of Congress and the Senate for their support of our project,” Dawn D. Izydorczak, Town Supervisor for Town of Newstead said.

The current Senior Center serves more than 880 members and operates out of a shared facility with the Newstead Fire Department under a lease set to expire in 2030. At the same time, local youth programs serve more than 350 participants each year but lack sufficient space for growth and year-round programming. The new Community Center will provide the capacity and flexibility needed to meet those demands while supporting educational, recreational, and social services.

The Town Board began working on plans to address the needs of the community and senior center in 2024, receiving public input, having preliminary plans prepared, and developing estimated costs.  Wendel Engineering provided the Immersion and Concept Design Services.

Newstead’s current Senior Center, has a lease with the fire company ending in 2032.  Evaluation of the Center’s long-term needs, as well as recreational, and emergency services, the Town determined that it makes more sense to build a new Community Center that would include programs for all ages in the community.

The plan is to construct the Center on property currently owned by the town at the Buell Street Park property south of Veterans Park.  Initial cost projections are $15.2 million dollars, 2.5 million of which is contingency.

Board members decided to seek grant funding to help reduce the projected tax burden on residents before moving forward with the project.

In announcing the federal funding during their meeting Monday night, the Town Board emphasized their continuing efforts to obtain additional grants, while expressing appreciation for this significant funding which will help them move forward.

There will be several months of paperwork before the funds are available for the Board to use.