Latest Covid-19 Information
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New Commissioner Appointed to Police Commission
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Affordable Housing Executive Order
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Roadwork Update - Winter Shutdown
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Mayor Noble's Tuesday/Thursday Updates
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
Dear Friends,
Our City experienced a tragic shooting last night, during which a 12-year old girl lost her life and a 9-year old boy was shot in his arm. There are no words that can take away the pain and grief so many are feeling right now. What happened last night is every parent’s worst nightmare. Our hearts are with the family who suffered this unimaginable loss.
The City of Kingston and its partners will dedicate every single resource to find who is responsible for this horrific act. If anyone knows anything that can help bring closure to this grieving family and our community, please report it. Call the KPD anonymous tip line at 845-331-4499 or the NYS Police at 845-338-1702.
We have asked for the assistance of our partners with the New York State Police who are taking the lead on the investigation. The Kingston Police Department will continue to provide updates when they are available.
The Kingston City School District has activated their Critical Incident Management hotline. If any student or family member is in need of counseling, please contact 845-943-3826.
Nothing is more important than the safety of our children and our community.
Stay safe and please take care.
-Steve
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COVID-19 Information
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As of Friday, December 18, there are 2,022 active Covid-19 cases in Ulster County, 323 in Kingston, and there have been 119 deaths across the County. More local resources at Ulster County Covid-19 Information
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Visit ny.gov/vaccine to get the facts on the COVID-19 Vaccine in New York.
- Indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to no more than 10 people.
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New travel guidelines are in effect that allow out-of-state travelers to “test out” of the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
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Go to New York's COVID Report Card to find COVID-19 positive case data for every school district in the state.
- To report violations of health and safety restrictions and requirements for businesses, gatherings and individuals, please choose the appropriate link below:
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New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health through December 31, 2020; must apply within 60 days of losing coverage.
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Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for counseling.
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Snow Emergency Update
As everyone is aware, we had massive snowfall yesterday. Due to the amount of snow accumulation, snow removal efforts will be ongoing into the weekend.
Vehicles not in compliance with alternate side parking rules have hampered snow removal, therefore the Snow Emergency remains in effect. As today is December 18, an even day of the week, all vehicles should be parked on the even side of the street, i.e. the side with even house numbers. Tomorrow, December 19, cars must be move to the odd side of the street at 7:00am.
DPW crews will continue to plow throughout the City this weekend. If you have a particular concern, you can report with DPW's Dispatch: 845-338-2114.
More info about Snow Emergency procedures can be found here.
Governor Cuomo visited Kingston on Thursday to declare a State of Emergency across 11 counties due to the storm. Click below to see his press conference below.
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New Commissioner Appointed to Police Commission
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Mayor Noble has appointed Pastor Donald Mapes to the City of Kingston Police Commission.
Donald Mapes, Jr. has been a resident of Kingston for 64 years. He coached junior league football from 1991-2008, and Biddy league Basketball from 1991-1995. Mapes served on the Kingston CDGB Board from 1994-2000 and the Zoning Board of Appeals from 2014-2017. He travels to South Africa, Jamaica, and Haiti leading ministry teams, building homes and churches, and starting orphanages. Mapes is the Director of Education at the Savona V. Roberts Christian Education Academy, where he and his wife Kim Mapes are also instructors.
“As a long-time resident of Kingston, I’ve been concerned about the conditions and relationship between the community and our police. I want to be a voice that brings peace and harmony, to speak objectively, and to bring a common unity to all,” said Mapes. “As a commissioner, I will work toward solutions that will help the community strive and grow.”
“I am pleased to appoint Pastor Mapes to the Kingston Police Commission,” said Mayor Noble. “Don has been an integral part of our community, and has served as a liaison between the Kingston Police Department and the Black community. I look forward to his continued service to the City of Kingston in his capacity as Police Commissioner.”
Mapes is filling a vacancy and his term will expire on May 31, 2022.
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Mayor Noble Issues Affordable Housing Executive Order
Mayor Noble issued an Executive Order declaring that all developers of five or more units of housing will be required to have at least 10% affordable units.
The Executive Order applies to housing across the City of Kingston, with affordable defined as 80% Area Mean Income (AMI), based on current Ulster County statistics with adjustments for family size. The cost of the housing unit will be calculated as to not exceed 30% of a household’s income and will be updated by the City of Kingston on an annual basis.
Those seeking Planning Board approval for new or existing housing plans will have to meet this guideline to get site approval.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the City of Kingston in many ways, including putting further strain on an already over-stretched housing market,” said Mayor Noble. “Our City desperately needs all types of housing for all income levels. We have known since early 2020 that we are in a dire housing situation, and I felt I needed to act before any new developments arise.”
On March 13, 2020, Mayor Noble declared a State of Emergency in the City of Kingston. Per General Municipal Law, the Mayor has the power to enact temporary measures to protect life, property and the well-being of residents.
New York State has issued an eviction moratorium, which is currently due to expire at the end of January 2021. In an effort to curb evictions locally, the City of Kingston, in collaboration with RUPCO, is currently taking applications for a Rental Assistance Program for anyone within the City who is in arrears for rent up to three months.
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Roadwork Update - Winter Shutdown Begins
I-587 Roundabout: water main installation on Albany Avenue is scheduled for completion by the week of December 21. Drainage installation on I-587 and Albany Avenue is halted due to winter shutdown that will begin the week of December 21. The construction work will temporarily be shut down during the next two months weather permitting. Project staff will be on-site during this time monitoring the site for any issues that may arise. Work is subject to change based upon weather and supply issues.
Broadway Streetscape: the project road work is now shut down for the winter. Areas that weren’t completed with the pavers were filled in with stone dust. Work on the vaults into business basements will start after the New Year, as is does not require a lane closure and can be tented.
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New sidewalk, pavers and bioswales on Broadway
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Mayor Noble's Tuesday/Thursday Updates
Mayor Noble has been giving regular live updates since mid-March. His now twice-weekly updates can be heard on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00pm via Radio Kingston and the City of Kingston Facebook page.
Click below to hear the latest radio address.
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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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Sent on behalf of:
Mayor Steven T. Noble
845.334.3902
mayor@kingston-ny.gov
The purpose of this newsletter is to share important information, project updates, pictures and news from the City of Kingston. For more detailed information, visit:
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