Mayor's Message

Governor Signs Sweeping SEQRA Reforms to Spur Housing

Children's Day Parade Registration Open

City-owned Surplus Property Auction on July 17

Tree Tour at Post Office Park on June 20

Flatbush & Foxhall Sewer Project to Begin Next Week

Mayor Noble's Listening Tour Ward 4 Meeting

Upcoming Paving + Roadwork & Infrastructure Update

City of Kingston Board & Commission and Job Opportunities

Mayor's Message:

Dear Friends -

This week, I was thrilled to see Governor Hochul sign SEQRA refrom, which will help Kingston reach our housing goals more effectively and efficiently.

With this bold action, we are seeing for the first time SEQRA reform that doesn’t compromise environmental protections.

In Kingston, we have been using every available tool to build housing and spur smart, equitable development while up against high interest rates, limited space, and a sometimes-tedious review process.

This new SEQRA process will help eliminate red tape and help us get housing built for our community – at every level.

I was on hand for the Governor's official signing of the budget, and I applaud her efforts, along with our State Senate and Assembly partners for not only helping pass this legislation, but allowing for even more housing units than originally proposed. Under the new law, all housing projects under 300 units can be built more expediently in Kingston. This is good news!

-Steve

Governor Signs SEQRA Reform to Spur Housing

Governor Hochul has signed a key component of the New York State FY27 budget, which includes a sweeping set of SEQRA reforms that cut red tape and remove duplicative environmental reviews for housing and critical infrastructure.

The Enacted Budget includes significant reforms of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), modernizing the law to expedite projects that meet criteria that ensure they have no significant environmental impacts and to let localities build much-needed housing and infrastructure. For urbanized areas outside of New York City like the City of Kingston, this reform will help cut costs and speed construction for qualifying housing up to 300 units.

The reform will increase affordability by fast-tracking housing and infrastructure projects that will not harm the environment, making it easier to build vital projects while continuing to protect the environment and conserve natural resources. Until now, housing and infrastructure projects could take as much as 56% longer in New York State to get from concept to groundbreaking compared to peer states.

“We know that in Kingston and in other urban communities across New York State, this targeted reform will accelerate the housing approval process and help deliver desperately needed homes faster. I commend New York State for acting with urgency to pass this landmark reform package, which will help make housing more affordable in Kingston and throughout New York,” said Bartek Starodaj, Director of Housing initiatives.

Previously, SEQRA review timelines varied greatly across projects, creating unpredictability, which can contribute to significant project delays and add substantial costs to project budgets. To create additional accountability for local communities and project sponsors, the bill establishes a two-year timeline to complete an environmental impact statement, creating clear project schedules and faster decisions.

Applicable housing projects must be on previously disturbed land and connected to existing water and sewer systems. The law does not supersede environmental requirements, permitting, or local zoning.

In addition to housing, the legislation adds SEQRA exemptions for critical categories of projects, including clean water infrastructure, public parks and trails, green infrastructure, and public schools within NYC.

Mayor Noble said, “These additional exemptions for park and infrastructure projects will also provide great benefit to the City of Kingston, in helping us move our vital projects forward. I want to again thank Governor Hochul for prioritizing these necessary improvements in the SEQRA reform.”

Read the Governor’s full announcement here.

Children's Day Parade Registration Open

The 56th Annual Children’s Day Parade will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026. The theme this year is Marvel Movies & Comics.

Registration for participation in the 2026 Children’s Day Parade is now open here.

For more information about the Children’s Day Parade, please contact the Parks and Recreation office at 845-481-7330 or eausanio@kingston-ny.gov.

City-Owned Surplus Property Auction

The City of Kingston will conduct a public auction for two City-owned surplus properties on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00am at Kingston City Hall in Council Chambers.

Mayor Noble said, “The two properties that will be auctioned in July were among the City’s first acquisitions through Article 19-A, which allows a municipality to acquire abandoned residential buildings. I am excited to see these properties return to the tax roll, be given new life, and become positive assets to the surrounding neighbors and community.”

The two city-owned properties that will be sold to qualified bidders at the public auction are:

• 305 Lucas (56.88-5-39), a single-family residential property. Starting bid at auction will be $134,334.66. An Open House will be held on June 26 from 9:00am-10:00am.

• 55 W Chester (56.34-6-34), a two-family residential property. Starting bid at auction will be $205,250.46. An Open House will be held on June 26 from 11:00am-12:00pm.

Both properties were acquired by City of Kingston via Article 19-A of the New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL). According to the City of Kington’s disposition policy for surplus properties, both properties will be auctioned. The disposition policy was most recently edited by the Common Council in 2025 to account for acquisitions of property under Article 19-A.

The public auction notice with terms & conditions can be found here.

Questions can be directed to housing@kingston-ny.gov or 845-334-3928.

More information about City of Kingston surplus properties can be found at https://engagekingston.com/surplus-properties. 

305 Lucas Ave.

Tree Tour at Post Office Park

The City of Kingston's Urban Forester will host a Post Office Park Tree Tour on Saturday, June 20 from 10:00 to 12:00pm, an informative look at the native trees and perennials planted in Kingston’s newest park!

Attendees can learn about species, historical tree facts, as well as the benefits trees provide to pollinators, birds, and our community. Families welcome!

Free Spotted Lanternfly traps will also be given away at the end of the event.

The 90 minute tour will be followed with an optional 30-minute volunteer blitz to install new tree self-watering mats! Gardening gloves will be available for up to 20 volunteers to install water bags or bring your own. Rain or shine, unless weather is inclement. Post Office Park is located at 500 Broadway.

Flatbush & Foxhall Sewer Project to Begin Next Week

The major sewer and stormwater system construction project on Flatbush and Foxhall Avenues will begin next week.

Mayor Noble said, “The first step in the Flatbush and Foxhall streetscape project is to make extensive repairs to the sewer and stormwater system below the streets. Before construction can begin, we need to make these necessary infrastructure repairs. We know this work will be disruptive, so we want residents to understand the extent and duration of this project, which is expected to take two full constructions season to complete.”

The project area for the sewer and stormwater work includes Flatbush Avenue from the railroad tracks to Foxhall Avenue and Foxhall Avenue from Flatbush to Broadway. 

Parking restrictions and road closures will be in place throughout construction. Starting Monday, June 1, there will be No Parking on the east side Foxhall Avenue between Hasbrouck and Wynkoop from 6:00am to 6:00pm until June 12, 2026.

The sewer work is expected to take two years to complete with construction beginning on the Safe and Accessible Flatbush & Foxhall streetscape project in 2028. 

The City contracted GPI for design work, which can be found at EngageKingston, and Merritt Construction of Saugerties for the sewer construction work. The total sewer/stormwater construction project cost is: $7.76 million, including $1.86 million for the design work and $5.9 million for construction.

The Safe and Accessible Flatbush and Foxhall Project will add and improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to connect the Colonial Gardens Apartments and residential streets in Midtown to surrounding business districts. The streets in the project area currently have intermittent sidewalks and cross railroads that are hazardous for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Approximately two miles of sidewalks will be built and painted crosswalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps will be installed. The City will also work with CSX to improve safety for all users at the two railroad crossings situated on the route. Bicycle infrastructure will be added along both avenues, connecting to other infrastructure projects, including the Empire State Trail and the Kingston Greenline.

Public engagement opportunities for the Safe and Accessible Flatbush & Foxhall Project will be announced in the coming months. More information about the Safe and Accessible Flatbush & Foxhall Project at https://engagekingston.com/safe-and-accessible-flatbush-and-foxhall. 

Mayor Noble's Ward 4 Listening Tour Meeting

Mayor Noble, along with Council members from each ward, is hosting ward meetings with residents to hear their thoughts and concerns.

The next meeting will be Ward 4 on Monday, June 22 at 5:30pm. The meeting will take place at the Clinton Avenue Church at 122 Clinton Avenue.

The Ward 5 meeting will be held on Monday, July 20 at 5:30pm at Good Work Institute at 65 St. James Street.

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: on Monday, June 1, the Department of Public Works will be paving Leonard Van Dyke Lane and the Building & Safety Department parking lot at 5 Garraghan Drive. This paving work is expected to take one day. The Building & Safety Department will be open on Monday, June 1, but access to the office may be limited in the afternoon during paving. 

The third round of paving in 2026 will be the following streets:

Grandma Brown Lane from Washington Avenue to Joys Lane

Joys Lane from Grandma Brown Lane to Lucas Avenue

Lucas Avenue from Washington Avenue to Green Street

Westbrook Lane from Clinton Avenue to the railroad crossing

Milling is expected to begin on Monday, June 22 and paving is expected to be completed by Friday, June 26, weather depending.

Foxhall Avenue - sewer work on Foxhall Avenue between Hasbrouck Avenue and Wynkoop Place will require one-way traffic, with flaggers in place. On-street parking may be restricted at times; observe all posted signs. No detours are expected to be needed for this work.

Central Hudson: main installation will continue the week of June 1 on Albany Avenue between South Manor Avenue and St. James Court and Ten Broeck Ave between Albany Ave and Downs St with lane changes and/or closures. 

Service replacements will continue the week of June 1 on Albany Avenue between South Manor Avenue and Ten Broeck Ave.

Pre-construction premise inspections will continue the week of June 1. Contractor may ask for access to homes/businesses to perform inside inspections of utilities.

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:

• Skilled Laborer - DPW
• Senior Building Inspector
• Skilled Laborer (Parks & Recreation) - evening shift
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator

The following Civil Service exams are being offered:

• Spanish Speaking Clerk on November 7 (deadline: Oct. 22)

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



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/