NEW BERLIN – The Village of New Berlin held a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of its new fire station and community center on Tuesday, thanking the centers sponsors and the community for its support.

According to Village of New Berlin Mayor Terry Potter, this has been a project in the making for approximately five years, and it represents a culmination of the private and public sector dedicated towards helping their community.

“What a journey this has been,” said Potter. “From the feelings of achievement, accomplishment, and excitement to feelings of frustrations, defeat, and anxiety; I really wanted this to happen for the community and the first responders.”

“This is the perfect example of what can be achieved when we all work together.”

Potter said the shell of the building should be finished before the end of the year, and the cost of the project is approximately $1,550,000. He said numerous businesses and organizations donated towards the project including the Chobani Foundation that contributed $550,000, The Preferred Mutual Insurance Company that donated about $150,000, a NY State Grant is providing another $150,000, Golden Artist Colors Inc. that donated $30,000, and NBT Bank donated $20,000. He added that other businesses such as New Berlin Pizzeria and Gates-Cole Insurance, also made significant donations or offered support.