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June 6, 2020 - In This Issue:
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
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Dear Friends,
When the pandemic hit, the primary focus of my administration was to do anything we could to protect the public. Within just a few short days, we worked with a network of organizations to develop an emergency meals program for thousands of children out of school, along with their families. We rapidly changed our departmental procedures to find ways to function and began using technology to perform essential City business. What we have learned during this difficult process is that when we commit to prioritizing the health and wellness of our community, despite logistical barriers or other obstacles, we can overcome anything together.
As protests have unfolded across the country, including here in Kingston, demanding justice for George Floyd and the thousands of other people of color who have been killed or injured by members of law enforcement, I have personally been confronted with a hard truth. My privilege has allowed me to believe that COVID-19 is a public health emergency, but racism and police brutality is not. Every day, people of color are afraid for their lives- afraid for their children's lives- because the system that was designed to protect them has also caused devastating harm. This is an emergency and I am committed to start treating it that way.
We have made significant incremental changes to our policies and procedures in Kingston. Over the past four years, we have equipped every officer with a body camera, adopted the Right to Know Act, codified our previously unwritten commitment to not approach anyone based upon their immigration status, and made the Police Commission meetings and process more accessible. This has been important work, but in order to make real, long lasting change, we need to dig deeper and look at how the current system supports, conceals, or perpetuates institutional oppression.
For the past two years, Rise Up Kingston has worked to develop a comprehensive platform on criminal justice and housing justice initiatives. One of their key goals has been the adoption of legislation centered around police accountability. Click here to read their proposal. The primary goals of this common sense legislation are to make transparent guidelines for the appointment process and composition of the Police Commission, create training requirements for the Commissioners, and improve upon the Commission's complaint process. It has taken a long time to get to this point and I want to thank Rise Up Kingston and the hundreds of local residents who advocated for these common sense changes. I also want to thank the NYCLU who provided technical assistance to ensure that this legislation fits our City's needs and does not conflict with our City Charter. The Common Council has made it clear that they are eager to act on this proposal and I thank them for their diligent work to review this legislation. I look forward to signing this into law as soon as the Council adopts it and working with our partners in the community to make these important changes.
Thank you again to everyone who demanded more from me and from your government. I heard you and I promise I will keep listening, learning, and doing better.
-Steve
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Mid-Hudson Region Enters Phase II of Re-opening on Tuesday
The Mid-Hudson region is set to enter Phase II of reopening on Tuesday, June 9. We have compiled some useful information, which is also available at www.kingston-ny.gov/KingstonRecovers
* For Phase II industries and guidance please visit
HERE
.
* Governor Andrew Cuomo announced outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted in Phase II of reopening. Outdoor tables must be spaced six feet apart, all staff must wear face coverings and customers must also wear face coverings when not seated. For guidance from the state on how to operate outdoor dining, click
HERE
.
* State Liquor Authority (SLA) has issued guidance on a streamlined process for the expansion of licensed premises for service of alcoholic beverages. That guidance can be found
HERE.
* Empire State Development has updated their FAQ page for New York Forward and the reopening of the state. It can be found
HERE
.
* OSHA has released guidance on how stockroom and loading dock workers can remain safe during COVID-19. A copy of that guidance can be found
HERE
.
* The CDC, in conjunction with OSHA, has released extensive guidance for agriculture workers during COVID-19. The guidance can be found
HERE
.
Check
New York Forward for more information and to monitor the status of the re-opening phases. On the website you will find:
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Open Streets Initiative - Take the Survey!
As the Mid-Hudson region enters Phase II of reopening on June 9, we recognize everyone is eager for our local businesses to reopen their doors. At the same time, we must continue to be vigilant about the health and safety of our community.
The City of Kingston is considering an Open Streets plan that will help our shops and restaurants get back to business this summer. In an Open Street scenario, streets are closed to vehicle traffic, creating more space to socially distance
for outdoor dining and open-air shopping.
Whether you're a Kingston business owner, resident or visitor, we hope you will take
THIS SURVEY and offer feedback.
Ideally the City of Kingston would initiate the Open Streets plan in the next few weeks and continue through Columbus Day. Please provide your feedback today and spread the word to friends and neighbors!
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Broadway & Grand Intersection Improvements Project
Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce that a virtual public meeting will be held on June 24, 2020 at 6:30pm for the Broadway and Grand Street Intersection Improvements Project.
The City of Kingston will be realigning the intersection of Broadway, Grand Street, Prince Street, and Pine Grove Avenue to avoid traveler confusion, reduce accidents, and improve accessibility.Because the intersection project will connect to the Broadway Streetscape Project, the City has hired the same engineering consultants, GPI, for cohesive design and implementation.
At the virtual meeting, GPI will give a presentation of the proposed intersection realignment design; show conceptual ideas for landscape design; and request input from the public to re-envision the space. Questions and comments from participants during the meeting will be moderated by Kristen Wilson, the Director of Grants Management. After the public meeting, the presentation will be available at EngageKingston.com, where the public can continue to offer feedback and receive project updates.
"I am thrilled to get this intersection realignment project started," said Mayor Noble. "Both the Broadway Streetscape and the intersection projects are major investments in the City of Kingston-- particularly in Midtown. Now underway, the Broadway Streetscape Project will completely transform the Broadway corridor from St James to Grand Street. Improving this dangerous and accident-prone intersection will fully complete this important effort. I would love to see the community engage in the project and give us their feedback."
With the assistance of NYS Assemblymember Kevin Cahill, a total of $750,000 in funding from the NYSDOT Multi-Modal Program was secured for design and construction. There is no match required for this grant.
The realignment of the intersection and removal of a vacant fast-food structure will create areas of public space. The City's grants team will continue to seek funding for the construction and landscaping of the public space, which will offer additional opportunities for public input.
Broadway & Grand Intersection Improvements Public Meeting
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Aerial view of the Broadway & Grand Intersection
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Mayor Noble's Daily Update
Mayor Noble is live on the City of Kingston's Facebook page and at Radio Kingston at 5:00pm daily from Monday to Thursday.
Submit your questions for the Mayor on Facebook and he will try to address all related questions and concerns. Then tune in to hear the day's news and updates.
Click below to hear Thursday's update.
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Roadwork Update
Central Hudson continues their gas line replacement work throughout the City. This week they will be installing mains at Pearl Street between Green St and Washington Ave (Mon & Tues) Pearl Street between Washington Ave and Noone (Wednesday - Friday), and Mary's Ave heading toward West Chester.
Beginning this week, Central Hudson will begin gas conversion work that involves entering homes and businesses. CH must access pipes within basements and re-light appliances within residents' homes/commercial buildings in order to complete the projects.
The service teams have developed a work plan for how to proceed in line with COVID 19 protocols and procedures, including: limiting number of workers in the home, maintaining social distancing, wearing proper PPE, and thoroughly cleaning all surfaces contacted upon completion of inside work.
Central Hudson has created a video for residents/business owners to better understand the indoor work procedures in place to protect the health and well-being of customers. Watch the video
HERE.
Broadway Streetscape:
Contractors will continue to grade, clean up, and set up for the installation of the sidewalk from Henry Street to Pine Grove starting on June 15. They will complete setting the curb in this area, including the pieces with slots for drainage into the bioswales. Preparation of the pad for bluestone under UPAC will be under way. A gutter with a backstop curb (poured concrete cast-in-place) will be installed from Napa to the YMCA. Meanwhile, work of saw cutting and removal of old sidewalk will also continue between Henry and Van Buren Streets.
Empire State Trail: Half section of barrier will be installed on Route 32 with minor traffic impacts. Sidewalk and striping and intersection work will also be completed over the next two weeks with minimal traffic impacts. The required excavation and shoulder paving has been delayed due to material fabrication, this work is be expected to start in early July.
I-587 Roundabout: Sewer installation along with manholes continue this week on Broadway, moving toward Albany Ave along E. James Street. The contractor started the installation of the infiltration system adjacent to Albany Avenue and East St. James Street and will continue through next week. The contractor will continue to install the sewer and infiltration system next week.
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City of Kingston Fireworks Cancelled
Mayor Noble announced today that the 2020 Fourth of July fireworks display has been cancelled due to New York State COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings.
In consultation with public health officials, the City of Kingston has determined that the annual Fourth of July gathering cannot safely occur while following the State's social distancing guidelines.
In
an effort to honor our frontline workers, healthcare workers and first responders, there will be a
motorized parade
in the City of Kingston, and simultaneously across Ulster County, on
Sunday, July 5, 2020
.
"This was a difficult decision, as the July Fourth fireworks is one of Kingston's most beloved events, which brings together hundreds of residents and visitors alike," said Mayor Noble. "This year we are excited to join Ulster County and our surrounding municipalities to show our collective appreciation for frontline workers. We honor these essential members of our community by celebrating the holiday safely, protecting the health of those around us."
More information about the July 5 cavalcade, including time, locations, and further details will be forthcoming from the County Executive's office
in the coming weeks
.
Mayor Noble and the City of Kingston would like to offer huge thanks to local law firm Mainetti & Mainetti, PC for their readiness to sponsor the fireworks again this year, and their ongoing support of this beloved community event.
Mayor Noble adds, "Our region is expected to be in Phase 3 of the re-opening plan by early July, so I encourage everyone to celebrate the Fourth by enjoying re-opened shops and restaurants over the holiday weekend."
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Kingston 311
The
Kingston 311 app, website and phone
system allow residents to quickly and easily report issues and submit service requests. The Kingston 311
app, available for
Android
&
iPhones
, is a fast and simple way to connect to City officials in non-emergency situations.
This system is a valuable resource to submit service requests for streetlight replacement, roadwork, City signage, traffic calming measures and other concerns. Issues with snow removal and reporting of vehicles and sidewalks not in accordance with the Snow Emergency restrictions can also be submitted via Kingston 311.
Photos can also be attached to illustrate service orders. Dial 311 from any phone within City limits to reach us.
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