March 4, 2022 - In this issue:
Mayor's Message
Covid Update
New State Park to be Named "Sojourner Truth State Park"
City of Kingston Releases RFP for Broadway Commons Development
Apply to Perform at Music in the Parks
City of Kingston Job Opportunities
Mayor Noble's Tuesday Radio Show
Mayor's Message:

Dear Friends -

We were excited to welcome Governor Hochul this week to unveil the name for the future State Park here in Kingston. The Sojourner Truth State Park is expected to officially open to the public in April.

This unique urban property will, for the first time, be open for Kingston residents to access its breathtaking views, incredible trails, and beautiful Hudson River waterfront. We are looking forward to working with all of our partners to make this a world class park that is accessible to each and every resident of Kingston and our surrounding communities. I thank Gov. Hochul for her commitment to our parks and open spaces and also for recognizing Sojourner Truth’s legacy here.

-Steve
Covid Update
There are currently 131 active cases in Ulster County and 33 in Kingston.

Latest news:

In response to the recent CDC mask guidance update, the City of Kingston will be lifting all mask policies and will no longer require masks for visitors to our buildings.

We will also be lifting any vaccination requirements for program participation in the Parks and Recreation Department.

We will continue to have visitors sign in as part of our health and safety protocol.
New State Park in Kingston to be Named After Sojourner Truth
On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the new State Park planned for more than 500 acres of former industrial property along the Hudson River shoreline in Kingston and the Town of Ulster will be named Sojourner Truth State Park.

This will be the first State Park in Kingston and the first new State Park to open since July 2019.  

“It is fitting such a magnificent property with its cliffs and Hudson shoreline bears the name of a remarkable woman who started life right here in Ulster County,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is committed to reflecting the diverse stories of its people, such as Sojourner Truth and her message of freedom and equality, that have influenced our state’s inspiring history.” 

State Parks partnered with the not-for-profit environmental group Scenic Hudson to protect land for this new park that earlier had been slated for a large-scale private development. Funding for the $13.5 million purchase by State Parks was provided through the state Environmental Protection Fund. 

Once the site of cement production, brick making, quarrying, and ice harvesting, the property already includes the Hudson River Brickyard Trail. Part of the Empire State Trail and the Kingston Greenline, this paved trail opened in December 2020. It offers spectacular views of the Hudson River and the 150-foot cliffs of limestone and sandstone that drew cement production to the site beginning in the 1840s. 
City of Kingston Releases RFP for Broadway Commons
The City of Kingston has released a Request for Expressions of Interest for the City-owned parcel known as “Broadway Commons,” located at 615 Broadway.
 
As described in the RFEI, the City is looking for interest from developers to design, construct and operate a mixed-use development on this parcel. The City is interested in a mix of housing units and commercial/retail space. New development is also expected to preserve and/or enhance existing public greenspace on the site.      

“Broadway Commons, also known as the Former Kings Inn site, is a unique property that is ripe for redevelopment,” said Mayor Noble. “In the heart of Kingston, this site has the potential to provide much needed workforce and affordable housing, while also providing the opportunity for additional public and community space. We were previously unsuccessful in finding a developer in 2019, when economic conditions impacted those efforts. I am optimistic that we will be able to find the right partner who shares our City’s vision for this site now.”

“The redevelopment of this site is long overdue,” said Bartek Starodaj, Director of Housing Initiatives. “I’m hopeful that this site will be redeveloped as a new anchor of vitality for the Broadway Corridor and that new development will provide quality, affordable housing in one of Kingston’s most walkable locations. We’re looking for a vision that activates the streetscape and aligns with the needs of the city and neighborhood.”
 
The deadline is April 1, 2022. More info at: https://kingston-ny.gov/housing 
2022 Music in the Parks Open Call for Musicians
The City of Kingston Arts and Cultural Affairs and Parks and Recreation Departments have opened the application process for 2022 Music in the Parks performers.
 
Music in the Parks is a free, family-oriented concert series sponsored by the City of Kingston. Concerts are open to the public and will be held in Kingston parks this summer.

All Kingston-based musical artists interested in performing at the Music in the Parks series are encouraged to submit an application. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2022. Confirmed acts will receive an honorarium.
 
City of Kingston Job Opportunities
The City of Kingston is hiring! There are currently several job opportunities including:
  • Assistant Coroporation Counsel
  • Parking Enforcement Officer
  • Housing Code Inspector
  • Senior Building Inspector
  • Motor Equipment Mechanic
  • Sewer Maintenance Foreman
  • Historic Preservation Administrator
For more details, please visit https://www.kingston-ny.gov/employment
Mayor Noble's Tuesday Radio Show
Mayor Noble hosts a weekly radio show on Tuesdays at 5:00pm which airs live on Radio Kingston and the City of Kingston Facebook page.
 
Last week Mayor Noble spoke with Nicole Allen from Laberge Group about the City's Economic Recovery Plan. ARPA Plan can be found at Engage Kingston.com.
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
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