Mayor's Message

Burning of Kingston Returns in 2026

Historic Preservation Award Launched

School Speed Zone Camera Update

Mayor Noble Appoints Stew Meyers Business Liaison

Repair Cafe on Saturday, February 21

Black History Week Events at Albert Brown Community Center

No-School Program at Clinton Ave Church

Pike Plan Construction Update

City of Kingston Board & Commission and Job Opportunities

Mayor's Message:

Dear Friends -

I want to remind folks that while the Pike Plan deconstruction continues, the Uptown shops and restaurants remain open for business!

I know it's been bitterly cold, but now that the weather has warmed a bit, I encourage everyone to support your favorite establishments in the Stockade district this holiday weekend.

As has been reported, we are working with building owners to provide financial support in their rehabilitation efforts to the facades. As we saw with the LGBTQ Center, we expect that the storefronts will eventually look better than ever, but the restoration process may take a little while. Please bear with us.

City offices will be closed on Monday for Presidents Day. Trash/recycling will not be picked up on Monday, and will be delayed one day next week.

-Steve

Burning of Kingston Returns in 2026

The Burning of Kingston will return to Uptown Kingston for a weekend-long series of events and re-enactments from October 15-18, 2026.

The Burning of Kingston commemorates the plight of New York’s first capital during the American Revolution, as well as colonial life and times. This year’s event also celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the American colonies’ Declaration of Independence in 1776. 

Mayor Noble said, “The Burning of Kingston is one of our city’s signature events, telling an important story of our history, including its hardships, resilience, and determination to rebuild. It’s also a fun weekend with something for everyone. Visitors to this year’s Burning of Kingston can expect to be entertained and encouraged to look at events from 250 years ago in new and unique ways as well as more familiar interpretations.”

This year’s theme, The Many Faces of Revolution, reflects the programming, which showcases perspectives of the many peoples involved in the Revolution, including combatants from all sides, civilians, indigenous, enslaved and indentured servants, women, elderly, children, and people of different classes and trades. Programs will include the cultural context of the Revolutionary Period, including its music, art, literature and crafts. This year’s event will feature performances, numerous re-enactments including street battles, film-screenings including Hamilton, public displays, stories, Grand Ball, and more.

“As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, this year’s Burning of Kingston weekend offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on the vital role Kingston played in the American Revolution,” said Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck. “With the theme Many Faces of the Revolution, the commemoration will highlight the often-underrepresented individuals and communities whose contributions helped shape our independence, reminding us that the diversity of experiences and voices at the nation’s founding is a defining strength of America—then and now.”

Burning of Kingston events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. All events will take place in the Stockade District. For more information visit www.burningofkingston.com.

Burning of Kingston 2026 is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, the Ulster County Office of the Clerk, and by the event’s signature sponsor Basch, Keegan and Spada.

School Speed Zone Camera Update

As the school speed zone cameras continue to be installed in three school zones, we remain in the testing phase.

We expect to begin sending warnings next week.

The first set of cameras have been installed on Broadway in the northbound and southbound lanes in front of Kingston High School. Additional cameras will be installed on W. O’Reilly near the high school entrance, Washington Avenue at Marius Street for George Washington Elementary and on Delaware Avenue at Corporate Drive for JFK Elementary.

The speed limit is 15 miles per hour in the elementary school zones and 20 miles per hour in the high school zones. Cameras will be operational on weekdays from 7:00am to 4:00pm at JFK and George Washington and 7:00am to 8:00pm at Kingston High School during the school year. Cameras will be active if/when summer school is in session.

Vehicles going 10mph over the speed limit will automatically be sent violations by mail with a charge of $50 and a $25 late fee.

There will be a 30-day grace period, during which speeders in the school zones will be issued warnings by mail. After 30 days, tickets will be issued.

Mayor Noble Appoints Stew Meyers Business Liaison

Mayor Noble is pleased to announce that Stew Meyers has been appointed City of Kingston Municipal Business Liaison.

Meyers has led two highly successful companies from inception through acquisition, most recently a tech company that had its development and product support based in Midtown Kingston. In 2006, Stew cofounded Exago, which created a business analytics, intelligence, and ad-hoc reporting platform. The company was acquired in 2021 by Insight Software, a large, international software company. In the last four years since Exago was acquired, Stew has helped found Ulster Strong, an organization to help with smart economic growth, worked with the City of Kingston to potentially build a new public park, and has helped various non-profits through his philanthropic work.

Mayor Noble said, “We are pleased to announce Stew Meyers as our very first Municipal Business Liaison. With his extensive business and nonprofit credentials, we are lucky to have him volunteering his time to help me and my administration strengthen our support of the local business communities. Stew and I see this appointment as an opportunity to bridge City government, businesses and local nonprofits to reinforce local economic development possibilities.”

As the City of Kingston’s Municipal Business Liaison, Stew Meyers will build and maintain relationships between local government departments, City/State agencies, business owners, and nonprofit organizations. In this role, he will foster communication and advocate for the needs of the local business community and identify opportunities for City government to strengthen its support for business owners.

Stew Meyers said, “A healthy community requires strong and smart economic growth from both for-profit and non-profit companies, which translates into additional and higher paying jobs and services, and retention of our young population, of which too many have been leaving due to a lack of available, decent paying jobs. This is especially true now in this era of rapidly increasing prices for housing, goods, and services. I am excited to be working with the Mayor and City of Kingston to help seek opportunities and partnerships for new businesses, as well as stronger relationships with our existing business community with the goal that this will lead to a healthier Kingston for everyone to prosper and enjoy.”

More information at www.engagekingston.com/kingston-business-resources.

Historic Preservation Award Launched

The Historic Landmark Preservation Commission (HLPC) has established an Historic Preservation Award Program to identify, recognize, support, and promote the excellence of historic preservationists in the City of Kingston.

Both the public and members of the HLPC may submit nominations, which must include written statements with visuals attached. Only projects, services, advocacy, and education completed within the previous two years will be considered, as this award will become annual.

Eligible recipients include building, building features, sites, property owners, architects, designers, craftspersons, archaeologists, historic preservation advocates and educators. The full award guidelines can be found here.

The deadline for submitting a 2026 nomination is March 10, 2026

Awards will be announced in May, Historic Preservation Month, with a maximum of three awards per year.

If you would like to submit a nomination for the Historic Preservation Award, please email nomination and materials to planning@kingston-ny.gov. 

Kingston Repair Cafe on February 21

Repair Cafe will be held at the Clinton Avenue United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 21 from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Limit two items per person. Masks are encouraged.

Parks & Recreation's Black History Event Series

Parks & Recreation Department will host a series of events for Black History Week at the Albert Brown Community Center next week.

Kingston Parks and Recreation will host three events throughout the week, starting with Movie Night featuring Akeelah and the Bee on Tuesday, February 17 at 5:30pm.

On Wednesday, February 18, a panel event, Remember the Times, will be hosted by Carl Brown at the Albert Brown Community Center from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Remember the Times is a celebration of legacy, history, and the individuals who helped shape Kingston through service, leadership, and opportunity. This evening honors Albert Brown, Hobie Armstrong, and Billy Costello—three men whose impact on the community continues.

On Friday, February 20, Carnival Night will be held from 6:00pm-8:00pm, and will include carnival games, a raffle, fried dough and snow cones, and more. 

Black History Week events are free and open to the public of all ages. All events will be held at the Albert Brown Community Center.

Any updates will be posted at https://www.facebook.com/kingstonparksrec. 

No-School Program at Clinton Avenue Church

On days when Kingston public schools are closed, families can utilize the free No School Day Program at Clinton Avenue United Methodist Church, which provides safe, enriching, full-day care for elementary school children.

The program is made possible through the leadership and investment of Mayor Noble, the City of Kingston Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and Kingston Common Futures, whose support reflect the City’s ongoing commitment to equity, family stability, and community well-being.

Mayor Noble said, “We are thrilled to see the City of Kingston’s Community Development Block Grant funding directly helping families and feeding children. I want to thank the Clinton Avenue Methodist Church and pastor Joy MacVane for providing this essential service. I am grateful to the church for meeting a need and filling a crucial gap in services. They are an asset to our community!”

The No School Program is a free, drop-in program offered on public school holidays. Each program day includes meals, hands-on learning, creative arts, physical activity, and supervised play in a welcoming, community-centered environment. The program is delivered in collaboration with the YMCA of Kingston, Creative Karate, and Ulster County Youth Bureau, bringing experienced educators, inclusive practices, and diverse enrichment opportunities to participating children.

Joy MacVane, pastor at Clinton Avenue United Methodist added, “This program is about more than childcare. It’s about dignity, opportunity, and a city that shows up for its families in practical, meaningful ways.”

In February, the No School Program is scheduled for February 16 and 17 from 8:00am -5:00pm. For more information or to register a child, contact Rev. Joy MacVane at 845-331-7188 or office.clintonavenueumc@gmail.com

Pike Plan Construction Update

Removal is now approximately 65% complete. 

The contractor will begin restoring missing sidewalk areas next week with bluestone and brick to match surrounding sidewalk. 

No Parking restrictions on Wall and N. Front will remain in effect next week as deconstruction continues.

Once deconstruction is complete, the City will go out to bid for additional restoration for the building facades.

A weekly construction update will be posted on the City website here.

City of Kingston Job and Board/Commision Opportunities

The City of Kingston is hiring! The following positions are currently open:

• Assistant Corporation Counsel
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator
• Motor Equipment Operator 
• Senior Account Clerk
• Skilled Laborer
• WWTP Mechanic II

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

The following civil service exams are scheduled:

• Network & Technology Support Tech in March (deadline: 2/19/26)
• Occupational Therapist on April 1 (deadline: 3/19/26)



The City has over 25 boards & commissions, and we're always looking for volunteers to serve the community. The following currently have openings:

• Planning Board (alternate) - applications due Tuesday!
• Historic Landmark Preservation Commission
• 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.

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/