Mayor's Message

New Online Short-term Rental Registration Portal

Kingston Artist Soapbox Derby This Sunday

19th Annual Fire Engine Muster on Saturday

ArtStream at ArtPort Kingston on Saturday

Help Us Name the Greenspaces at Broadway/Prince

Roadwork Update for Week of August 21

City of Kingston Job Opportunities

Mayor's Message:

Dear Friends -

While creating Kingston’s new zoning code, we spoke to many community members and did a tremendous amount of public outreach. One of the significant changes to come from the public’s input is a reduction to the limit of allowable short-term rentals.

Now that the zoning code is in effect, we are pleased to get a new online registration portal up and running, and to have a system of STR regulation in place. A notification has been sent to all current STR permit holders to inform them of the new process, and we have contacted all unregistered listings.

The goal of STR permitting is to increase the housing units available for occupancy in Kingston and ultimately to help reduce our critical lack of housing.

The zoning code will also bring changes to parking citywide, and so the Common Council has decided to form a Parking Task Force to look at future needs. I encourage anyone interested in creatively planning to apply. Parking is a complicated subject and including members of our community in the process will help us find the best solutions.

-Steve

New Online Short-term Rental Registration Portal

The City of Kingston has launched an online short-term rental registration portal and licensing process.

The City’s new form-based zoning code, passed in August, has provisions for short-term rentals that all City of Kingston short-term rental (STR) operators must follow. Per the new code, the number of full-time short-term rentals is currently capped at 106 permits (1% of the City’s housing units). There is no cap on limited short-term rentals (less than 30 days a year) and resident-occupied short-term rentals.

Registration is required for full-time short-term rental properties, limited short-term rentals, and resident-occupied short-term rentals. Fees will be applied for each type of STR. The City of Kingston’s zoning map can be found here. Additionally, full-time short term rental permits are only allowed in T5 or T4 zoning transects and only one short-term rental is allowed per property. No short-term rental permits will be issued for any accessory dwelling unit.

Once registered, the Building Safety Department will conduct an inspection of each unit and, if approved, the owner will receive a license to operate.

Stephan Knox, Director of Building Safety said, “I believe the new short term rental regulations strike the appropriate balance of allowing property owners to realize needed income while not substantially reducing long term rental housing needs. Effective enforcement will be paramount to the program’s success and use of the portal will assist residents in the efficient management of required documentation.”    

Effective immediately, renting or advertising your home for rent on a short-term basis without a license is in violation of the City of Kingston’s zoning code. Any unlicensed STR will be subject to enforcement and significant fines. The current violation fees, per day rented or per day advertised, are $1,000 for the first instance, $5,000 for the second instance, and $7,500 for a third or subsequent instance.

The City of Kingston short-term rental registration portal can be found at: https://cityofkingston.munirevs.com/.

A fact sheet with frequently asked questions can be found here. Additional questions can be directed to the City of Kingston’s Office of Housing Initiatives at 845-334-3928 or the Building Safety Department at 845-331-1217.

To report complaints with a STR property located in Kingston, visit https://str.govos.com/complaint/?cityid=1684.

Kingston Artist Soapbox Derby This Sunday

Join the 28th Kingston Artists Soapbox Derby on Sunday, August 20, 2023, kicking off at 1:00pm. The event includes vendors, live performances and an entertaining awards ceremony in TR Gallo Park. After Professor Louie and the Crowmatix will be performing live music.

There's still time to enter the race! Day-of registration opens at 11:00am at the corner of Spring and Broadway.

19th Annual Antique Fire Muster on Saturday

The Kingston Volunteer Firemen's Hall & Museum is holding their annual Antique Fire Engine Muster on Saturday, August 19, 2023 from 10:00am to 3:00pm at the museum (265 Fair Street).

The event will have a silent auction and raffles, and includes free hot dogs & soda! The closing parade will start at 3:00pm.

ArtPort Kingston's ArtStream Event on Saturday

ArtPort Kingston's ArtStream, on Saturday, August 19 from noon to 5:00pm, is a celebration of art and nature along the Kingston Point Rail Trail and scenic Rondout riverfront featuring site-specific artworks by regional artists.

Now in its third edition, ArtStream has 25+ new installations, and the event will feature interactive play with the art, workshops by exhibiting artists, local food & drink vendors, performances, and plenty of fun! 

Applications Open for Parking Task Force

The City of Kingston has formed a Parking Task Force. The mission of the task force will be to gather community input regarding parking issues in Kingston including, but not limited to, the business districts and during Snow Emergencies.

As the City of Kingston has recently passed a new form-based zoning code which will increase local housing stock, the task force will evaluate how to utilize existing parking resources. The task force will work toward a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive parking management study.

Membership will consist of nine community members who live and/or work in the City of Kingston, including representatives of groups or institutions. While the focus is on residents, applications from individuals with significant ties to Kingston who are committed to equitable and sustainable economic growth may also be considered. The Parking Task Force is expected to meet periodically over 12 months.

Applications for joining the task force can be found here. The deadline for applying is Friday, September 1, 2023.

More about the City of Kingston’s new form-based zoning code at https://engagekingston.com/kingston-forward.

Roadwork Next Week & Upcoming Paving

The City of Kingston will be paving Shufeldt Street from Foxhall Avenue to Clifton Avenue and Linwood Place from Shufeldt Street to the dead end. 

Milling is expected to begin Monday, August 21, and paving is expected to be completed by Friday, August 25, weather depending. 

Dietz Stadium is now closed for renovations. The only parking at the stadium is for visitors to the Andretta Pool and splash pad.

The Kingston Water Department’s valve replacement project is currently paused. The revised work schedule will be updated next week. 

Central Hudson Gas main installation will continue on Staples St, Levan St, and Brewster St. Expect road closures and detours. On Monday August 21, Bond Street will be closed from West Chester St. to dead end for gas main installation.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug 22-23, Mary's Ave will be closed from West O'Reilly St. to Andrews St. with hospital access only. 

Henry Street Safe Routes to School Project: one crew is currently replacing storm and sewer connections at Fair Street and Henry. Another crew is installing concrete sidewalks along the north and south sides of Henry Street, with bluestone sidewalks installed along a portion on the north side of Henry Street. Underground utilities are being repaired and/or replaced. Old lead lines are being removed and replaced with copper as they are discovered.

ADA Ramps Citywide: restoration has been complete on Clifton Avenue. Crews will now begin restoration along Highland Avenue at E. Chester St. and Hasbrouck Place, with construction beginning on Walnut St., E. Union St. and Gill St.

Upgrades to the Washington Avenue railroad crossings: On Monday night, August 21, Washington Ave will be closed at the crossing, starting at 10pm, for 2-3 hours to facilitate the rail being installed through the crossing. 

On Wednesday August 23, the crossing is scheduled to be paved during the daytime and the road should be opened completely by the end of the day, weather depending.

Wurts Street Bridge: painting and touch up is schedule for Saturday, August 19. Work continues on steel repairs, electrical conduit installation, and installation of pedestrian rail.



Regular roadwork updates can be found here.

New curb installation at Hasbrouck Place

City of Kingston Job Opportunities

The City of Kingston is hiring!

Current openings include Engineering Technician, Senior Building Inspector, Maintenance Helper, School Crossing Guards, and a Motor Equipment Operator.

Job descriptions and more details are available at https://kingston-ny.gov/Employment.

The City of Kingston has over 25 boards & commissions, and we're always looking for volunteers to serve the community.

Currently there are openings on the Kingston City Land Bank board and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Applications at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KingstonBoards.