New Berlin Mayor Peter Lennon thanks New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, right, for his efforts to clear a logjam that held up the disbursement of a $150,000 grant for the New Berlin Fire Department. Pictured, New Berlin Fire Chief Jared Hanslmaier, New Berlin Fire Department Commissioner and Deputy Mayor Dave Smith, New Berlin Mayor Lennon and Sen. Griffo. (Photo by Tyler Murphy)

NEW BERLIN - After years of bureaucratic delay in Albany, the Village of New Berlin has finally received $150,000 in state reimbursement funds for its modern firehouse and adjacent community center.

Local New Berlin officials held a ceremony on Wednesday at the fire station marking the decision and thanked state representatives for getting the state to fulfill their commitments.

They said the funding, originally secured more than a decade ago through the efforts of the late State Senator Jim Seward, had been stalled for years due to what officials described as a “political logjam.” However officials said New York State Senator Joseph Griffo stepped in to aid local residents and the fire service.

New Berlin Mayor Peter Lennon credited Senator Griffo and his staff for pushing through the delays and working with the New York State Dormitory Authority to finalize the reimbursement.

“This beautiful facility had been targeted and essentially scripted as early as the last decade,” Lennon said during remarks at the firehouse. “We’d been waiting for the reimbursement since well before 2020, and thanks to Senator Griffo and his persistent team, we were able to work through the Dormitory Authority and finally get this done. The people of New Berlin are safer because of this, and the quality of life has gone up to the next level.”

The $150,000 reimbursement is part of a $1.6 million project that included the construction of a modern fire facility and the Chobani Community Center at 75 S. Main Street. The combined structure serves as both an emergency services hub and a public gathering space for residents.

Senator Griffo, (R-C-Rome) said the funding was long overdue and emphasized his focus on cutting through state bureaucracy to fulfill commitments made to local communities.

“When Albany owes you money, they find every reason not to deliver it,” Senator Griffo said.

“This community had been promised this funding, and it was our priority to make sure it was finally delivered. Hopefully Senator Seward is looking down and smiling, because he identified this project and laid the groundwork years ago.”

“I am pleased to have cut through the bureaucracy and red tape to get the Village of New Berlin the grant it had secured years ago,” Griffo said.

Griffo also noted the project demonstrates how state and local collaboration can strengthen public safety.

“The New Berlin Fire Department provides critical protection for life and property,” he said. “With this funding, they’ll be able to enhance services and maintain the equipment necessary to keep this community safe,” he said.

Mayor Lennon explained that during the years of delay, the village redirected internal funds to complete construction, leaving the fire department short on equipment spending.

“We robbed Peter to pay Paul to do this,” Lennon said. “We kept the building on track, but it meant the fire department had to stretch its resources. Now, with the reimbursement finally received, we can replenish those needs.”

Fire Commissioner and Deputy Mayor Dave Smith called the facility “a landmark” for the community. “It’s not only a beautiful fire facility, but also a community center we’re proud to call our home,” Smith said.

The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York processed the final reimbursement earlier this year after the village submitted records and documentation.

“This long-delayed funding provides significant financial relief to our volunteer fire department and community,” Lennon said. “It’s a great event to celebrate a crowning achievement here in the Village of New Berlin.”