July 1, 2022 - In this issue:
Mayor's Message
Covid Update
Free Shuttle for July Fourth Fireworks
Marijuana Task Force Applications Due 7/9
Pride Crosswalks Freshly Painted
Children's Day Parade July 15
Roadwork Update for Week of July 5
Be A Road Hero Traffic Safety Campaign
Join a City of Kingston Board or Commission
Mayor's Message:

Dear Friends -

Wishing everyone a safe and fun Fourth of July celebration. There will be fireworks on the Kingston watefront on Monday night! I hope everyone enjoys shopping and dining in the Rondout before taking in the fireworks display. And please take advantage of the free shuttle service, as parking will be limited.

A reminder that -- apart from the official fireworks display -- sparkling devices are the only legal fireworks in New York. Any firework that launches is illegal.

City offices will be closed on Monday in observance of Independence Day, and trash/recycling will be delayed one day next week.

Starting today, City Hall will be operating on summer hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm) until August 31.

Stay safe & happy Fourth!

-Steve
Covid Update
There are currently 153 active cases in Ulster County and 27 in Kingston.

Latest news:
Free Fireworks Shuttle on July Fourth
There will be a free shuttle service running to the waterfront area on Monday, July 4th for the fireworks display.
 
The free shuttle service will make regular pick-ups from:
  • Kingston Plaza (adjacent to the ballfield off of Westbrook Lane)
  • Cornell Street parking lot (Thomas Street lot near Little Italy)
  • Broadway at the Governor Clinton
  • Broadway at the Andy Murphy Center
  • Broadway and Yosman Towers

Dropping off at Garraghan Drive. There will also be a continuous shuttle from the parking lot at Kingston Point Beach. Busses will start picking up at 5:00pm and the last bus will depart the Rondout at 11:30pm.

The fireworks are being sponsored by Ole Savannah and O’Connor & Partners. The fireworks will be set off from a barge in the Rondout Creek and will be visible east of the 9W Bridge just after dark. Parking will be limited.
Marijuana Task Force Applications
The City of Kingston is seeking applications for an advisory task force to lead the City transition into allowing local marijuana dispensaries in accordance with the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA).

New York State continues to develop regulations related to adult use of cannabis (marijuana), revising long-standing law enforcement policies and creating new business opportunities throughout the State. The City has not opted out of allowing licensing for local dispensaries and on-site consumption. While the NY State Office of Cannabis Management will control that process, the City of Kingston is creating a task force to gather community input regarding these policy changes.

The mission of the task force is to help guide the City in our limited authority over the time, place and manner of retail operations. It will also amplify community voices regarding enforcement concerns and goals for how MRTA tax proceeds can be reinvested in the community to achieve the law’s social equity objectives.

The MRTA Task Force will meet periodically over one year, and will consist of 9 community members who live and/or work in Kingston, including representatives of groups or institutions. While the focus is on residents, applications from individuals with ties to Kingston who are committed to equitable and sustainable economic growth may also be considered. The application can be found here and is due by end of day Friday, July 8, 2022.
Pride Crosswalks Uptown Refreshed
We are *proud* to see the rainbow crosswalks freshly painted in Uptown!

Thanks to the LGTBQ Center for organizing the repainting of the crosswalks in celebration of Pride Month & to City of Kingston's DPW for freshening up the white crosswalk lines!
Children's Day Parade on July 15
The 52nd Annual Children’s Day Parade will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022. The theme this year is “Heroes.” Applications to participate in the parade can be found here. Hope you'll join the fun!
Roadwork Update for Week of July 5
Paving on Harding Ave, York Place, and Colfax Place is complete. The next round of paving will be announced soon.

Midtown parking lots: work is proceeding on the parking lot next to the former Sea Deli restaurant.
 
Franklin Street Complete Streets Project: Demolition work in preparation of work by Central Hudson to relocate overhead utilities. Curb and sidewalk work beginning.

Central Hudson: Service replacements will continue next week on Florence St, Stephan Street, Lincoln St, and Farrelly St with detours and road closures. 

Regular Roadwork Updates are posted on the City's website here. More info about paving projects can be found at https://kingston-ny.gov/paving.
Paving on Harding Ave.
Be a Road Hero! Campaign
The City of Kingston has launched a new traffic safety campaign for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians called Be A Road Hero. You will see lawn signs around the community, you will hear our PSAs across radio stations, and every household in Kingston will recieve a direct flyer in the mail.

Watch our Director of Health & Wellness discuss the safety campaign with Sepctrum News here.

We will be sharing Be a Road Hero content on social media and have added instructional videos at Engage Kingston. Stay tuned for more!
Join a City of Kingston Board or Commission
The City of Kingston has 25+ boards and commissions, and we're always looking for volunteers to serve the community!
 
Currently we have openings on the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Board of Water Commissioners, and the Kingston Local Development Corporation Board. The application for these and other commissions can be found here. 
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. 
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: