YMCA Gets $1 Million For Energy Upgrades At Downtown Facility

New Britain – The city’s legislative delegation praised state Bond Commission approval this week of over $1 million for improvements to the New Britain-Berlin YMCA’s facility on High Street.

The planned energy efficient window replacement and air conditioning upgrades would support health safety, the ability for youth and adults to utilize the facility, and cost-savings on gas and electricity for the YMCA, according to a statement by local legislators State Senator Rick Lopes (D-6), State Rep. Robert Sanchez (D-25), State Rep. Manny Sanchez (D-24) , and State Rep. Peter Tercyak (D-26).

“For many years, the New Britain-Berlin YMCA has provided much-needed services to young people and families in the region,” said Governor Lamont in announcing the release of $330 million bonds for transportation, IT and town projects throughout the state. “By partnering with the organization to ensure that their facilities remain in a good-state-of-repair, we can help make sure that they can continue providing these services for many years to come.” 

“The YMCA is an essential resource for people of all ages, especially kids, in our area. I’m thankful to Governor Lamont and the members of the State Bond Commission for recognizing how these upgrades to the Y’s facility would allow YMCA to save on energy costs and direct those savings into supporting their work,” said Senator Lopes. “I want to recognize CEO John Benigni, Executive Director Marci Moskal and all the staff at the YMCA for advocating for this funding and the countless hours of activities and services they provide year-round to children and their families.”

Y officials said the $1 million in support from state bonds will enable the New Britain branch to serve more residents.

“At the Y we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being for all, and inspiring action in our communities. The savings from this project will allow the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA to change more lives and continue to not turn anyone away for inability to pay,” said John Benigni, CEO, Meriden-New-Britain-Berlin YMCA.

“We work every day to make a positive impact in the lives of our community members. Now we can take even better care of our members and do more for our community. Thank you for helping us make a difference,” said Marci Moskal, Branch Executive Director, New Britain and Berlin YMCAs.

The YMCA’s New Britain location on High Street provides children and families numerous recreational services including basketball, fitness classes, swimming, and racquetball and child care programs for preschool and school age children. The state support will address needed improvements for energy efficiency, heating and air quality.