PORT CHESTER, NY (February 27, 2026) — The Village of Port Chester announced that the Port Chester Village Hall Gymnasium Remodeling Project has been awarded $2,000,000 in federal funding through the HUD Community Development Fund as part of H.R. 7148 — the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, which was signed into law on Feb. 3, 2026.
Village officials said the federal investment will support the long-planned revitalization of the Village Hall Gymnasium, transforming the space into a modern, flexible community center designed to expand recreational, educational and cultural opportunities for Port Chester residents.
In early 2025, the village was awarded $1.8 million toward the project under the tenure of then-Congressman Jamaal Bowman, but the village lost the funding after federal clawbacks. Upon his introduction to Washington, Congressman George Latimer positioned the village’s gymnasium project for reconsideration and successfully secured $2 million in funding for the project.
“I am extremely thankful to Congressman George Latimer for keeping the needs of the Village of Port Chester and its people in mind,” Mayor Luis A. Marino said. “My administration has fought hard to make sure that the people of our village count when opportunities arise where we can leverage village services and assets to improve our quality of life and our programming. This facility will be transformative for all who live here.”
Latimer said the funding was secured through fiscal year 2026 Community Project Funding.
“I’m proud to have secured $2,000,000 for the Port Chester Village Hall Gymnasium Remodeling Project through fiscal year 2026 Community Project Funding,” Latimer said. “This upgrade to the Village Hall Gymnasium will enhance a vital community space and directly benefit the residents of Port Chester who rely on this facility for gathering and everyday reaction.”
Village Manager Stuart L. Rabin said the project moved forward despite earlier setbacks.
“I thank Congressman Latimer for not relenting his advocacy for our project even when it seemed all federal support was lost,” Rabin said. “Port Chester has never accepted the limits imposed upon it. What some believed was a bridge too far — the revitalization of our Village Hall Gym — is now becoming reality through vision, grit, and strong partnerships at every level of government. If history tells us anything, it is that Port Chester will continue to surprise, lead, and inspire others to think bigger about what their communities can achieve.”
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.