Mayor's Message

Mayor Appoints New Corporation Counsel

Sidewalk Improvement Study Launched

Stockade Business District Signage & Awning Grant Re-opens

Call for Art for Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibition

Free Street Tree Program Update

$1.5M Investment in Pedestrian Safety Infrastructure

Nearly $2M Grant for TR Gallo Park Improvements

Mayor Noble's Listening Tour Ward 3 Meeting

Upcoming Paving + Roadwork& Infrastructure Update

City of Kingston Board & Commission and Job Opportunities

Mayor's Message:

Dear Friends -

One of the features that makes Kingston special is the ability to walk to school, work, shopping, and dining areas. We have heard residents loud and clear when they tell us that improving our sidewalks will improve their quality of life.

Through a Sidewalk Improvement Study, we will work with consultants to find a feasible way to make sidewalks safer and easier for everyone to use.

In our current code, each property owner is responsible for the maintenance of their sidewalk, but we know how onerous this can be. The goal of this study is to find affordable ways to pay for sidewalk repairs and improvements, focusing first on the areas that the community feels need the most urgent attention.

This week, we were pleased to announce a major accessibility infrastructure project that will add 81 more ADA compliant curb ramps throughout Kingston. We have installed 373 ramps to date with previous projects, and will keep working to make these vital improvements for residents.

-Steve

Mayor Appoints New Corporation Counsel

Mayor Noble is pleased to announce that he has appointed Rebecca Mantello as the City of Kingston’s new Corporation Counsel.

Mayor Noble said, “We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Mantello to the City of Kingston as our new Corporation Counsel. Her breadth of skills, experience, and knowledge will serve our residents well. As we all know, Kingston is facing many complex legal issues and litigation onslaught, but I am confident that Ms. Mantello will more than capably lead the City’s legal team.”

Most recently Rebecca Mantello served as principal law clerk to the Hon. James R. Farrell in Sullivan County, where she helped manage a multibench docket encompassing criminal, civil, and surrogate court matters. She has also worked as a court attorney in the Supreme Courts of Dutchess and Orange Counties, as well as with the Appellate Division, Third Department. She spent nearly five years with the Office of the Governor as a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) attorney, ensuring public access to government records and promoting transparency and accountability across state agencies. Mantello has also worked in the private sector representing both individual and municipal clients, such as cities, towns, and correctional facilities, in all aspects of civil litigation.

Originally from upstate New York, Mantello relocated to the Hudson Valley in 2009 and settled in Ulster County in 2020. She is chairperson of the Wallkill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, where she has been a non-riding member for nearly six years. She is a member of the Ulster County Bar Association, and of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York. She received the Outstanding New Attorney Award from a local Women’s Bar Association chapter in 2012 and served as a local chapter president in 2015.

Mantello was recognized as a Hudson Valley Rising Star for appellate practice for three consecutive years and named an Orange County Rising Star honoree in 2021.

Rebecca Mantello said, “I am excited to join the City of Kingston during this defining moment of revitalization and growth. I stand ready to take on the challenges presented to safeguard the progress the City has made in meeting the community’s needs. I look forward to working with President Shaut, Majority Leader Hirsch, and other Council members, together with Mayor Noble and our Department leaders to advance the City’s goals. I'm grateful to Mayor Noble for entrusting me with protecting the City’s interests and I eagerly await using my legal experience and background to deliver for the people of Kingston.”

Mantello started her role as Assistant Corporation Counsel on April 20, 2026, and with the departure of Barbara Graves-Poller, assumed the role of Corporation Counsel on May 9, 2026.

Sidewalk Improvement Study Launched

The City of Kingston has contracted with engineering firm CPL to complete a Sidewalk Improvement Study.

As part of the study, sidewalks across the city will be comprehensively reviewed and rated based on their condition. The City will also look at what type of repairs are needed and will explore funding options to find the most cost-effective choices that meet City and State regulations.

Emily Flynn, Director of Heath & Wellness and Project Manager, said, “Sidewalks are the connective network of a neighborhood. We use them to reach work, school, food, and each other. When they’re safe and well-connected, more people choose to walk because it’s cheaper, healthier, and better for the climate. For people with disabilities, older adults, and those without cars, that network isn’t a convenience. It’s what makes full participation in public life possible.”

The consultant team, led by CPL, will conduct robust community engagement, including a Project Advisory Committee, citywide survey, public meetings, and outreach at community events, with multiple opportunities for residents to share their feedback. CPL is a multi-discipline firm based in Rochester and local offices in Poughkeepsie and Newburgh that has worked in and with Kingston on several engineering projects to date.

More info at https://engagekingston.com/sidewalk-improvement-study.  

Stockade Business District Signage & Awning Grant

The City of Kingston has approximately $20,000 left in funding for the Minor Exterior Improvements Program to provide grants from $1,000 to $9,000 for property owners seeking to install new signage or awnings to their commercial property building in the Stockade Business District.

The City of Kingston has awarded 14 Minor Exterior Improvements Grants to Stockade Business District property owners for signage and awnings. All applicants were awarded, and the City of Kingston will re-open the application for additional grants.

Mayor Noble said, “We are pleased to be able to grant awards to all the applicants in the first round. We have enough funding left to fund signage and awnings for additional property owners in the Stockade Business District. This opportunity is open to all properties in the defined area, so we encourage all eligible property owners to apply.”

The eligible grant area is the entire Stockade Business District, which is bounded by the Esopus Creek and Route I-587 to the north and east, St. James Street to the south, and Washington Avenue and Dietz Stadium to the west. View the boundary map here.

Commercial property owners in the eligible area can apply for reimbursement for projects that do not exceed $10,000. Eligible expenses include signage (projecting or wall sign), awnings, and, in some cases, signage lighting. Applicants must have Planning Department/HLPC approval for design, which in most cases can be achieved with a desk review.

The Planning Office can be reached at 845-334-3955 or planning@kingston-ny.gov. Fees associated with the signage/façade reviews will be waived until October 2027.

The deadline to apply for the Minor Exterior Improvements Grant Program is Friday, May 22, 2026, by 4:00pm.

The Minor Exterior Improvements Grant Program is part of the DRI Stockade Business District Small Grants Program, administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal.

More grant information is available at www.engagekingston.com/kingston-stockade-restoration.

Call for Art for Hispanic Heritage Month Exhibition

The City of Kingston, in partnership with Latin Outreach, Unity and Development (L.O.U.D), are pleased to announce an open call for artwork for inclusion in a multidisciplinary exhibition celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month at City Hall.

The multidisciplinary exhibition, themed, “Nuestros Sueños, Nuestro Legado - Our Dreams, Our Legacy,” will be reflective of Kingston’s and America’s Hispanic/Latino resilience, traditions, heritage, and accomplishments.

Selected artwork will be on display at the City Hall Ground Floor Gallery from September 15, 2026, through late winter 2027.  

Local artists are invited to submit artworks in response to the “Nuestros Sueños, Nuestro Legado - Our Dreams, Our Legacy” theme through painting, photography, drawing, and mixed media. The exhibition is open to all ages, to foster a multigenerational dialogue of Hispanic culture, heritage, and artistic spirit.

The exhibition will be part of the City’s “250 Years of America’s Voices” series, to celebrate the rich legacy of Hispanic culture, heritage, and identity in America’s history.

Submissions can be sent via the online application or by downloading the pdf application and delivering in person/by mail to Latin Outreach Unity & Development Office, 70 Lindsley Ave, Kingston, NY, 12401 by July 6, 2026, at 4:30pm.

Submissions should include the following to be considered: 

• Image of the work 
• A short bio and contact information (150-word count) 
• A brief description of how the work reflects the theme (300-word count) 

For further information, please contact Alessandra Gonzalez at alessandra@latinoutreachunitydevelopment.org.

Street Tree Program Update

Recently 30 new trees were planted along our city streets through our free Street Tree program!

The new trees are a mix of 10 different native species of different sizes that fit well in planting strips, front yards, and around utilities. These trees will start growing quickly to provide community benefits like shade, stormwater management, pollinator support, and a pleasant streetscape.

This program, part of Mayor Noble’s goal to plant 1,000 trees by 2030, is supported through community forestry grants from American Forests, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the US Forest Service. Want a free tree for in front of your home or business? You can apply online through the City Tree Commission Online Portal.

$1.5M Investment in Pedestrian Accessibility Projects

The City of Kingston will invest $1.5 million in grant and State funding for the 2026 Citywide ADA Curb Ramp Project.

The City has contracted Catalyst Construction LLC from Middletown for the project, which will include the construction of 81 ADA-compliant curb ramps at intersections and crosswalks throughout the City of Kingston, including enhanced bump-outs at two corners of Main and Wall Streets. The project will also include installing rapid flashing beacons in front of the Boys and Girls Club on Greenkill Avenue and new bluestone sidewalks around Academy Green Park.

Mayor Noble said, “We are looking forward to continuing this crucial work of improving safety for all residents at intersections and crosswalks throughout the community. As a part of the curb ramp project, we will also be installing sidewalks at Academy Green and rapid flashing beacons on Greenkill Avenue. This project will continue to improve the safety of our streets and provide much-needed access for all mobilities across the community. I want to thank Engineering and DPW staff who are making every effort to closely work with anyone impacted by this project.”

As part of the 2026 project, ADA-curbs are being installed at intersections on Fair Street, Pearl Street, Main Street, Green Street, Van Buren Street, Van Deusen Street, Andrew Street, Marys Avenue, Prospect Avenue, Greenkill Avenue, Lincoln Street, Clifton Avenue, Shufeldt Street, and Spring Street, as well as the enhanced bump-outs at Main and Wall Streets. A comprehensive map can be found here.

Construction is expected to begin in June and is expected to be completed by December 1, 2026.

The ramps project is funded with the City ’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and the City’s NYSDOT CHIPS allocation.

In 2023, 127 ADA-compliant curb ramps were installed throughout the City, and the project included the reconstruction of the bluestone sidewalk on N. Front St. Catalyst Construction LLC was the contractor for the 2024 project, which included the construction of 58 ADA-compliant curb ramps throughout the city. 

Previous ADA compliant curb installation

$2M Grant for TR Gallo Park Improvements

The City of Kingston has received $1,995,477 from the NYS Department of State’s (DOS) Local Waterfront Revitalization Program for TR Gallo Park Improvements.

With the funding from DOS, the City of Kingston will hire a design consultant and implement improvements to TR Gallo Park, including upgrades to the public restrooms, ADA parking lot improvements and pathways around the park, patio repairs, a new drinking fountain, drainage, lighting, and other beautifying measures.

The City will issue an RFP for a professional engineering firm to complete the design component, conduct public outreach, make recommendations, and create a final cohesive layout for TR Gallo Park.

The latest nearly $2M grant is in addition to the $637,725 that the City of Kingston was awarded in December from the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP)’s Environmental Protection Fund: Parks, Preservation and Heritage Grants for the TR Gallo Park Improvements project.

The TR Gallo Improvements project is a part of a coordinated Waterfront revitalization effort, which includes the $21M RAISE grant projects, including Kingston Point Rail Trail Phase 2, East Strand and North Street Complete Streets, Kingston Point Rail Trail Phase 3 – Trolley Trail, Rotary Park & Kingston Point Park Pedestrian Connections/ Raising of Delaware Avenue, and North Street Complete Streets. The City is also embarking on a Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan, Kingston Point Wetland Restoration, Kingston Point Park Improvements Project, and more exciting waterfront projects. 

Mayor Noble's Ward 3 Listening Tour Meeting

Mayor Noble, along with Council members from each ward, will host ward meetings with residents and hear their concerns.

Ward 3 will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:30pm in the Golden Hill meeting room, located at 1000 Fernway Rd. Building 1000 is also the daycare.

Immediate requests for services can be made by calling 311 during business hours (Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm) or submitting a ticket here: https://www.kingston-ny.gov/311

Upcoming Paving + Roadwork & Infrastructure Update

Paving: the second round of paving in 2026 will be the following streets:

Johnston Avenue from Pearl Street to Main Street

Noone Lane from Linderman Avenue to #51

Voorhees Avenue from Lucas Avenue to Merilina Avenue

Intersection of Burgevin Street at Pearl Street

Milling is expected to begin on Monday, May 18 and paving is expected to be completed by Friday, May 22, weather depending.

Central Hudson: gas main installation will continue the week of May 18 on Albany Avenue between South Manor Avenue and St. James Court with lane changes and/or closures.  Service replacements will continue the week of May 18 on Albany Avenue between South Manor Avenue and Ten Broeck Ave. 

Please note: NYSDOT sidewalk project on Albany Avenue has been pushed to after the Central Hudson work on Albany Ave. is completed.

Weekly roadwork updates can be found here. For more information on paving projects, please visit https://kingston-ny.gov/paving

City of Kingston Job and Board/Commision Opportunities

The City of Kingston is hiring!

The Department of Public Works has several opportunities for Motor Equipment Operators. The annual salary is $58,101 with competitive benefits.

The position requires a commercial drivers license. Apply today!

Additional available positions include:

• Housing Specialist at Kingston Housing Authority
• Senior Building Inspector
• Skilled Laborer (Parks & Recreation) - evening shift
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator

For more information on civil service exams and job opportunities, please visit https://kingston-ny.gov/employment

The Board of Plumbing Examiners is accepting applications for the upcoming Master Plumbing License Exam and the Oil Heating License Exam. For exam questions or additional information, please call the Building Safety and Zoning Enforcement Office at 845-331-1217. More exam schedule information can be found here. 



The City has over 25 boards & commissions, and we're always looking for volunteers to serve the community. For more information on what these boards & commissions do, read up here.

The following currently have openings:

• Ethics Board
• Conservation Advisory Council
• Zoning Board of Appeals
• Ulster County Planning Board (Kingston representative)

Find the application at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KingstonBoards.

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. Photos can be attached to illustrate service orders.



This system is a valuable resource to submit municipal service requests. Examples include:

• Streetlight replacement
• City signage, including overgrowth blocking traffic signs
• Snow removal, reporting parking violations, and other snow issues
• Parks & playground repairs
• Report graffiti or vandalism
• Trail issues

Dial 311 from any phone within City limits to reach us, use the app or visit www.kingston-ny.gov/311/