Mayor's Message

Current Housing Initiatives

Kingston Business's Emmett Till Sign Named National Monument

Free Concert at Hutton Brickyards on Monday

Catholic Charities Offers Free Legal Clinic

Movies Under the Stars Tonight

Roadwork Update for Week of July 31

City of Kingston Job/Board Opportunities

Mayor's Message:

Dear Friends -

This week, I had the opportunity to visit two important arts businesses in the Midtown Arts District: Workshop Art Fabrications and the studio of world-renowned artist Arlene Shechet. It was a great opportunity to experience the invaluable contributions that artists and arts businesses make to Kingston.

I have long supported the thriving arts & culture community in Kingston, and am thrilled to see so much incredible work being produced right here in Midtown (and beyond!). I hope with our ongoing ARPA programs like the Arts & Culture Internship Program and the Community Events Grant Program, we will continue to strengthen and grow our creative community. Kudos to these incredible makers!

-Steve

Arlene Shechet describes work that will be shipped to London for a show in the fall

City of Kingston's Current Housing Programs

Our Housing Department has been busy with several concurrent housing programs. Here's a brief recap of each:

ARPA Affordable Housing Fund program to incentivize the construction of affordable housing units in Kingston. Applications are open on a rolling basis.

DRI Stockade Residential Rehab Program grant funding to help income-eligible residential property owners undertake minor/substantial repairs to resolve building code violations, address health and safety hazards, and make necessary structural improvements. The deadline to apply is September 6.

Ulster County Plus One ADU grant program low-to moderate-income property owners can apply for grants of up to $125,000 to construct or rehab code-compliant Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). The deadline to apply is September 8, 2023.

The ADU Design Contest deadline is August 15, 2023.

Lite Brite Neon's Emmett Till Sign Now National Monument

This week, President Biden declared the site of where Emmett Till's body was recovered, outside of Glendora, Mississippi, a National Monument. The site, which is called Graball Landing, is marked with a sign made by Kingston's own Lite Brite Neon.

The site marker, which is made of steel, weighs 500 pounds, and is bullet-proof, was created by Lite Brite Neon for the site after the first three signs were riddled with bullet holes. The sign was dedicated on October 19, 2019.

We are so proud of this local contribution to the historic monument and want to recognize the work of the Lite Brite Neon team. This is an important recognition of a tragic event in American history, and we appreciate their dedication to continuing to tell the story of Emmett Till.

Free Concert at Hutton Brickyards on Monday

A special concert event will be hosted by the Parks & Trails NY as part of the Cycle the Hudson Valley Bicycle Tour at the Hutton Brickyard Pavilion on Monday, July 31, from 7-9pm.

The Kingston Rocks the Trail Concert event will feature The Whiskey Treats Roadshow. This free concert is sponsored by the City of Kingston's ARPA Community Grants Program.

Free parking at Hutton Brickyards. Beverages available for purchase.

Catholic Charities Offers Free Legal Clinic

Catholic Charities of Kingston will offer a free legal clinic on Friday, August 11 by appointment. This informational session includes free immigration legal consultation, services and resources for immigrating families, and Know Your Rights info. Call 347-921-0631 to schedule an appointment.

Movies Under the Stars Tonight

Tonight, the Parks & Recreation Department's Movies Under the Stars returns with a showing of JAWS at Kingston Point Park (50 Delaware Ave). The movie will be shown on the soccer field adjacent to the beach starting at 8:30pm.

The movie is free and open to all. Bring your own blankets and chairs.

The full line-up of Movies Under the Stars and Music in the Parks events can be found here.

Roadwork Next Week & Wurts Street Bridge Update

Central Hudson: Gas installations will continue next week on Orchard St, Melvin Dr, Dietz Court, and within the Chestnut Mansion Apartment complex. Expect road closures and detours.

Henry Street Safe Routes to School Project: crews are currently replacing storm and sewer connections at Fair Street and Henry. Concrete sidewalk installation continues along the south side of Henry Street. Bluestone sidewalk installation is currently being installed along the north side of Henry Street.

ADA Ramps Citywide: curb ramp installation continues from Highland Avenue to Meade Street along Clifton Avenue. Construction will begin along Hazel Street and Highland Avenue.

Wurts Street Bridge: painting and blasting to continue for approximately 2-3 more weeks. Steel repairs to continue, as well as electrical conduit installation, and the installation of pedestrian rail. NYSDOT expects that the loud noise from paint/blasting and the noise from the steel repairs will continue sporadically for the next few weeks and will be completed mid-August. 



Regular roadwork updates can be found here.

New curb ramp and sidewalk on Clifton Avenue

City of Kingston Job and Board & Commission Opportunities

The City of Kingston is hiring a Motor Equipment Operator. Job description 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 are available here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KingstonBoards.