Mayor's Message

City Releases 2025 Annual Report

KLDC Announces Low Interest Business Loans

KPD Deputy Chief Stands with Hochul for ICE Legislation

Call for Performers for 2026 Music in the Parks

City to Host ADU Expo in April

STAR Exemption Update

Pike Plan Construction Update

City of Kingston Board & Commission and Job Opportunities

Mayor's Message:

Dear Friends -

I hope everyone is safe and has been able to dig out from the latest snowstorm.

The Department of Public Works, Parks & Recreation, and all of our first responders worked tirelessly throughout the storm and should be applauded for the work they did. As we continue clean up operations, the Departments of Public Works and Parks and Recreation will be working to clean up a variety of areas throughout the city, utilizing various equipment. It is a team effort to clear roads, sidewalks, fire hydrants, and parking lots.

We ask for everyone to help where they can and as much as we may all want, the City is unable to make all of the snow disappear and with the cold temperatures and possible snow in the forecast, we are going to be continuing snow operations, in additional to all of the other work our departments do, for the foreseeable future.

If you had any issue with Snow Emergency alerts in the last storm, please update your information at https://kingston-ny.gov/codered

-Steve

City Releases 2025 Annual Report

The City of Kingston has released the 2025 Annual Report.

Mayor Noble said, “Due to the tireless work of City staff, and despite a tightened budget, we saw an incredible number of projects and vital work completed last year. In 2025, DPW responded to eight snow events, paved over 20 streets, and beautifully refurbished the war memorial at Clifton and Highland Avenues. The Engineering Department completed a daunting Prospect Avenue sewer repair and installed new sidewalks, curbs, and street paving for a brand-new streetscape. The Parks Department built a dog park at Forsyth Park and officially opened Post Office Park, which provides greenspace and respite in the heart of Midtown. The Kingston Fire Department responded to over 7,000 calls for service and was able to respond to 99% of medical calls with their growing ambulance fleet. In 2025, the Police Department assembled a Traffic Safety Unit and increased back-to-school traffic safety patrol. Each day, our nearly 300 employees provide Kingston residents with the services we all enjoy and I thank them for their dedication to their community!”

The 2025 Annual Report details each City Department’s accomplishments, along with goals for the next year. Some of the many accomplishments highlighted in the 2025 Annual Report include:

• Arts & Culture hosted many free community events like Music in the Parks and Kingston Colonial Days
• Assessor completed 2025 Assessment Roll without non-reappraisal reassessment for the sixth year
• Building & Safety issued 2,694 building/plumbing/electrical permits and 1,640 certificates of occupancy
• Clerk’s Office issued 311 City of Kingston IDs
• Civil Service Office administered 44 exams
• Communications implemented new emergency alert system
• Community Development disbursed more than $1.4M in CDBG funding
• Comptroller’s Office delivered the 2025 City Budget
• Corporation Counsel defended the City in seven new lawsuits and received favorable rulings
• Engineering completed the Loughran Park tennis/pickleball court improvements project
• Human Rights provided assistance to tenants and landlords regarding NYS Tenant’s Rights Laws
• Kingston Fire Department increased the number of operating ambulances to five
• Grants Management oversaw a portfolio of approximately 63 grant awards totaling $75,000,000
• Health & Wellness managed the Creating Health Schools and Communities grant program
• IT implemented public Wi-Fi at Dietz Stadium
• Parks & Rec installed rooftop solar systems at Albert Brown Community Center and Andretta Pool
• Planning assisted in approving approx. 200 units including 21 Bluestone, 615 Broadway, and Penn Ct.
• Police Department responded to over 24,000 requests for service and made 1,061 arrests
• Public Works laid almost 12,000 tons of asphalt, covering 5 miles, to pave 24 streets
• Sustainability acquired two electric garbage trucks to implement food scraps curbside collection
• Urban Forestry planted 26 new trees and hosted five community events
• Waste Water Treatment Plant concluded the final components of the WWTP upgrade project



Additionally, the City’s Office of Housing Initiatives completed the City’s first foreclosure actions in five years under Article 11 and the City’s first-ever foreclosure proceedings under Article 19-A; initiated a RFEI process for redevelopment at 25 Field Court and the municipal parking lot at 65-77 N. Front; completed a study exploring the redevelopment of the Kingston Business Park into a mixed-use housing development and initiated a corresponding RFEI process to find a development partner; and completed the 2025 rental vacancy study in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Emergency Tenant Protection Act. All the department’s ongoing housing efforts can be found here.

Mayor Noble said, “As we face mounting financial pressures, our robust Grants portfolio helps us continue to our efforts across departments -- from improving our parks facilities and programs, pushing forward sustainability efforts with solar, EVs, and flood mitigation, and tackling much-needed infrastructure projects like the Flatbush & Foxhall safe streets project. In 2026, we will launch Kingston Organics Program Phase 2, voluntary curbside pick-up, and will move forward on construction of the long-needed new Central Fire Station at 18-30 E. O’Reilly Street, install school zone speed cameras, complete the electrical project at TR Gallo Park, install new ADA curb ramps citywide, and construct new sidewalks at Academy Green, among many other initiatives. None of this could be done without the hard work and dedication of the City of Kingston workforce.”

The 2025 Annual Report can be found here.

KLDC Announces Low Interest Business Loans

The Kingston Local Development Corporation (KLDC) is pleased to announce the availability of several loan programs with competitive rates and no pre-payment penalties designed to support business owners within the City of Kingston.

KLDC President Steve Noble said, “The Kingston Local Development Corporation is thrilled to offer these financing tools for local business, which can do everything from help strengthen existing businesses, encourage expansion, and support new entrepreneurial activity, all with extremely competitive rates. The new, expanded, low-interest Façade Loan Program will be helpful for those looking to restore the facades of their buildings and businesses. I want to thank our KLDC Board and Executive Director for administering these loans that will benefit so many in the community.”

The KLDC offers a Façade Loan Program to assist commercial property and business owners with exterior building improvements that enhance the visual appeal and vitality of commercial corridors. The program now offers loan amounts of up to $35,000, with competitive fixed interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

In addition, the KLDC administers a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to help established businesses secure additional financing for projects such as expansion, acquisition, renovations, or other growth-related needs. The RLF is designed to work in partnership with traditional financial institutions to help businesses move forward when a financing gap exists offering competitive fixed interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

For newer or smaller businesses, the KLDC also offers a Microbusiness Loan Program, which is intended to support early-stage enterprises and entrepreneurs who are just getting started. This program helps provide access to capital while encouraging long-term business growth and stability also offering competitive fixed interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

“These loan programs are an important part of our mission to promote economic development and support local businesses,” said Amanda Bruck, KLDC Executive Director. “We encourage business owners to explore these resources and see how they may help advance their businesses or projects.”

Business owners located within the City of Kingston who are interested in learning more about available loan programs, eligibility requirements, and the application process are encouraged to contact the Kingston Local Development Corporation at 845-334-3930 or visit www.KLDC-ny.org.

KPD Deputy Chief Stands with Gov. Hochul on ICE Legislation

Kingston Police Department Deputy Chief Richard Negron stood with Governor Hochul today as she announced the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act to stop ICE from co-opting local law enforcement.

Hochul's comprehensive legislation aims to protect New Yorkers, strengthen constitutional safeguards, and prohibit local law enforcement from being deputized by ICE for federal civil immigration enforcement.

The legislation will prevent local jails and police officers from being used by Federal authorities to enable mass ICE operations against innocent civilians, ensures local law enforcement Is focused on fighting local crime by preventing resources and officers from doing the job of a Federal agency.

Governor Hochul is fast-tracking proposal to protect New Yorkers from constitutional violations and prohibit Federal officers from entering sensitive locations, including homes, without a judicial warrant. More information here.

Call for 2026 Music in the Parks Performers

The application process is now open for musical performers for 2026 Music in the Parks concerts.

Music in the Parks is a free, family-oriented concert series held in City of Kingston parks on weekdays during the summer from 6:00-7:30pm (dates and locations to be announced). The 2026 theme is 250 Years of America’s Voices: The Music That Influenced American and World Society.

City of Kingston Director of Arts and Cultural Affairs Kitt Potter said, “Music has served as a powerful, universal force that has shaped American and world society over time by driving cultural change, fostering community, and enabling emotional expression. I look forward to presenting this series as a very special part of the city’s 250 Years of America’s Voices year-long series of events.”

Performers must bring their own instruments, microphones, stands, cables, extension cords, and power strips. Full bands with a minimum of four members are preferred, but duos and trios will be considered. Ensembles using soundtracks will not be considered.

The online application can be found here. The deadline is February 27, 2026.

In addition to the online application, a pdf of the application can be found here. More information about Music in the Parks at https://www.kingston-ny.gov/musicintheparks

City to Host Accessory Dwelling Unit Expo

In collaboration with the Kingston Housing Task Force and Ulster County, the City of Kingston will host a free Accessory Dwelling Unit Expo on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Andy Murphy Neighborhood Center.

Mayor Noble said, “We are so proud here in Kingston to be one of the first municipalities in New York State to implement tax breaks for building ADUs, and have been creative in our approach to encourage homeowners, by launching an ADU design contest, the winner of which provides Kingston residents with a ready-to-go building plan for their own backyard. Due to these innovative efforts, in 2025 the City of Kingston approved a record number of accessory dwelling units. We are looking forward to hosting this expo and connecting with homeowners, advocates, and anyone interested in ADUs.”

The Accessory Dwelling Unit Expo will bring together homeowners and residents interested in ADUs as a housing solution with builders, architects, designers, and policymakers. Additional hands-on workshops and expert panels are expected to be announced soon.

The term ADU includes all forms of additional units on residential properties and may be either attached to the primary residence (e.g., basement apartment) or detached from the primary residence (e.g., garage conversion, cottage). Among many other benefits, ADUs can provide rental income to homeowners and offer an affordable way for renters to live in residential neighborhoods or can help older residents age in place.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Expo

April 10, 2026

12:00pm – 6:00pm

Andy Murphy Neighborhood Center

Kingston, NY

Free to attend, registration recommended

Attendance is free, but registration is recommended. Please RSVP here.

Builders, architects, and others who can help local homeowners build ADU projects interested in being a vendor are welcome. Please submit a vendor interest form here or contact housing@kingston-ny.gov with questions.

In 2023, Kingston legalized ADUs citywide with its new form-based zoning code, and launched an ADU design competition to provide a free, permit-ready ADU blueprint for Kingston residents. In 2024, the City of Kingston was the first municipality statewide to implement a tax break for new accessory dwelling units, and was joined by Ulster County in 2025. Kingston homeowners have also benefited from RUPCO’s ADU Plus One Program, which provides grants to low-moderate income property owners to create new ADUs.

Snow Removal No Parking Areas

As the Department of Public Works continues storm cleanup and snow removal, please watch out for No Parking signs. DPW will be posting areas throughout the City 24 hours in advance of snow removal. Vehicles parked in these areas during the posted times will be towed.



This allows snow blowers and dump trucks to come through and clear the snow banks and plow to the curb.

STAR Tax Exemption Update

The New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) program provides property tax relief to eligible homeowners for their school district property taxes. Both the Basic STAR and Enhanced STAR have income eligibility requirements.

NYS Department of Tax and Finance (DTF) is currently sending out income worksheets to some STAR Recipients to verify their income eligibility for the program.

NYS DTF will be holding an in-person event for homeowners at the Cedar Grove Firehouse in Saugerties on February 11 to assist STAR recipients who need to verify income with the NYS Department of Tax and Finance.

More information can be found at https://www.tax.ny.gov/star/

Pike Plan Construction Update

Pike Plan removal continued this week, despite the extremely frigid temps. Constructions is about 35% completed.

Four crews are working simultaneously, with one crew working on Wall Street going south, one crew finished work on N. Front and will move to Wall Street south end, a third crew continues work on N. Front and working east. The fourth crew finished in N. Front and is moving to Wall Street south end.

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:

• Account Clerk on February 28, 2026 (deadline: 2/10/26)
• Network & Technology Support Tech in March (deadline: 2/19/26)



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)
• Historic Landmark Preservation Commission
• Ethics Board (Republican or non enrolled)
• 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/