Mayor's Message

Recap 2023 State of the City

Public Hearing for Kingston Forward Rezoning

Community Preservation Plan Released

Kingston City Land Bank Two Homes for Sale

Mayor Noble's Tuesday Radio Show

City of Kingston Job Opportunities

Mayor's Message:

Dear Friends -

A reminder about the City's redistricting process, which will potentially change what ward you are in or where you will vote in Kingston elections this year -- and for the next 10 years!

Because of population changes in the 2020 Census, the City of Kingston must redraw our ward maps. There are currently two maps being considered by the Common Council, one (Map A) keeps the redistricting changes as minimal as possible. And one (Map C), I believe, gives more representation to our growing, diverse population.

I am heavily in favor of Map C, which I shared with everyone during my State of the City Address. I believe Map C best reflects the population changes that have occurred in Midtown, and helps to amplify the voices of emerging communities of interest.

I encourage everyone to visit Engage Kingston, study the maps and the information provided there, and share your opinion with elected officials.

There are two more opportunities for public comment: the Common Council will hold a second reading of the redistricting law (Local Law #3) and will vote on a map on Thursday, January 26, and I will be holding a Public Hearing on Monday, January 30, 2023 at 5:00pm at City Hall and virtually. You can also submit written comment to the City Clerk's office until 1pm on January 30.

Let us know your thoughts!

-Steve

Mayor Noble's 2023 State of the City

Mayor Noble delivered his annual State of the City address on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at the Common Council meeting. The theme for 2023 is UNITE to Heal, Grow and Thrive.

Highlights of the State of the City include:

• 2022 achievements across City departments
• Kingston Forward: citywide rezoning
• Dietz Stadium $25M upgrades
• Mobile Mental Health ambulance program
• Citywide composting Phase 1 to begin in 2023
• ARPA grants coming to the community this month
• Goals for 2023 in Housing, Sustainability, Parks, Infrastructure & more
• Despite steep inflation, tax rates decrease

Click below to watch Mayor Noble deliver his speech. The written speech is also available at https://kingston-ny.gov/stateofthecity

Final Public Hearing Set for Kingston Forward Rezoning

The Laws and Rules Committee has set a date for the final public hearing regarding the adoption of the citywide form-based code. The public hearing will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 6:30pm.

The new form-based code will: 

• Introduce a new system of “transects” to regulate the ways in which land is developed. This categorizes zones from the most rural zone to the most urban zone: T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5. These zones are designed to encourage mixed-use, walkable environments. A form-based code allows the City to steer new development to ensure that it reinforces the historic urban fabric within each of these transects.
• Remove minimum parking mandates.
• Legalize accessory dwelling units, an affordable and flexible housing type, citywide.
• Reduce the administrative burden of building new housing in Kingston, especially for smaller projects that meet the review criteria of a new minor site plan review board.
• Mandate at least 10% of all units in residential projects with 7+ units be affordable and includes new incentives for affordable housing, including expedited review and discounts on site application fees.
• Introduce a fair and balanced approach to regulating short-term rentals to ensure short-term rentals will have a negligible impact on the supply of long-term housing in Kingston.
• Legalize neighborhood-serving corner stores in many of Kingston’s neighborhoods, as had been the case prior to the adoption of the 1960s zoning code.
• Allow for “missing middle” housing, including duplexes and triplexes, as had been allowed prior to the adoption of the ‘60s zoning code, to encourage economic diversity and incremental development types.
• Ensure that Kingston’s zoning reflects the goals and vision of the 2025 Kingston Comprehensive Plan and the priorities outlined in the City’s 2020 Open Space plan and Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, as dictated by the State's Coastal Management Program.

Common Council Laws & Rules Public Hearing:

Citywide Form-based Zoning Code Adoption

Monday, February 13, 2023

6:30pm

City Hall Council Chambers

and virtually via Zoom (Passcode: Hk678UNu)

In addition to the public hearing, a public comment period is open until February 18, 2023. Written comments can be sent to City Clerk Elisa Tinti at emtinti@kingston-ny.gov or dropped off at City Hall at 420 Broadway.

The final draft of the zoning code will undergo review under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act. This includes the adoption of a final environmental impact statement.

Following an environmental review, administrative referrals, and the public comment period, the Common Council is expected to consider the final draft for adoption in spring 2023.

For more information, visit https://engagekingston.com/kingston-forward.

Community Preservation Plan Released

The final draft of the Community Preservation Plan is now available. The Community Preservation Plan (CPP), which will guide future investments in our City’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources, identifies priorities for resource protection including the preservation of historic places, expansion of public access to the waterfront, preservation of natural areas, expansion of the recreational trail system, among other similar goals. The CPP will refine and advance our existing Open Space Plan by identifying priority areas for future preservation.

If you missed the CPP Public Meeting on January 19, you can watch it here.

This project has been funded in part by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund through the Hudson River Estuary Program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. A Project Advisory Committee is providing guidance on the project in collaboration with City staff and a consulting team led by Behan Planning and Design with Upstate GIS.

More info at https://engagekingston.com/community-preservation-plan

Kingston City Land Bank Announces Two Home Sales

The Kingston City Land Bank (KCLB) announced the sale of two fully renovated, affordable single-family homes located at 237 E. Union Street and 63 German Street. These 3-bedroom homes are currently undergoing extensive renovations, including energy efficiency upgrades and new windows, kitchens, bathrooms, and heating/cooling systems. Construction is expected to be completed by July 2023.

These two homes are part of New York State’s Legacy Cities ACCESS Program. Both homes were formerly vacant properties foreclosed on by the City and purchased by the KCLB for the full price of back taxes. 

Homes are available to first-time homebuyers, and will be sold through a lottery system. The application period will end on March 18, 2023. First-time homebuyers interested in learning more about the opportunity and starting an application can begin the process by visiting KCLB.org/homes.

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 Summer Smith, Director of Communications and Community Engagement to recap his recent State of the City speech. Click below to hear their conversation. 

City of Kingston Job & Volunteer Opportunities

The City of Kingston currently has several open positions, including Assistant Director of Building Safety and Zoning, Building Inspector, Fire Inspector, Motor Equipment Mechanic, Motor Equipment Operator, and Plumbing Inspector.

There are a number of upcoming Civil Service exams, which can also be found at https://kingston-ny.gov/employment. 

The City of Kingston has more than 25 boards and commissions. We are always looking for volunteers to serve. An application can be found here: surveymonkey.com/r/KingstonBoards