Latest Covid-19 Information |
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Groceries for Guns Initiative |
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Lt Bonse Named New Deputy Police Chief |
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Student Athletics Return to Dietz Stadium |
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Broadway Businesses Are Open! |
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New Trash & Recycling Cans Uptown |
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
Dear Friends,
Our community has been profoundly affected by gun violence. In the span of one week, we lost a member of Kingston High School, who would be graduating soon, to a tragic accident. We had a homicide a week later.
As I've stated before, we need the community's support in fighting gun violence, and I thank you for your cooperation. Assistance from neighbors in the latest murder led to a quick arrest. We know that there are many reasons for crime and we are working to implement long-term strategies like creating jobs, youth support, and safe, affordable housing. But we must also work on immediate strategies, which is why we are launching a Groceries for Guns program. Gun buyback initiatives have proven to work, and have had positive results in Kingston in the past.
We have also partnered with the County to launch Lights On, which opens the KHS gym on Friday nights and gives our teens a place to go. We are partnering with NYS for the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) program, which provides funding for equipment, overtime, training, technical support and personnel, including crime analysts and prosecutors to help reduce gun crimes.
-Steve
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COVID-19 Information
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As of Friday, March 26, there are 1,863 active Covid-19 cases in Ulster County, 228 in Kingston, and there have been 242 deaths across the County. More local resources at Ulster County Covid-19 Information
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The new COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Dashboard will update New Yorkers on the distribution of the vaccine including the number of doses received by the state, a breakdown of first or second doses, and the number of persons vaccinated with the first and second doses in each region.
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The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through May 15, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health or directly through insurers.
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Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
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Groceries for Guns Initiative
Starting Friday, March 26, the Kingston Police Department will be exchanging Hannaford Gift cards for guns with no questions asked. All types of firearms will be accepted and will be compensated with the following gift card amounts:
$25 for any non-working gun, pellet gun, air rifle, replica, etc.
$200 for any rifle or shotgun in working condition (any caliber)
$300 for any working handgun
$400 for any working “assault type” rifle
Anyone with information that leads KPD to the location of an illegal gun will also be eligible for a gift card, and can remain anonymous. The Kingston Police Department anonymous tip line is 845-331-4499, or you can call Police Chief Egidio Tinti directly at 845-943-5766.
There will not be a dedicated drop-off location for the exchange program. Officers will meet anyone wishing to relinquish a firearm at a convenient location. Hannaford's is NOT a drop-off location for the gun exchange.
“Our community has been deeply affected by the use of firearms, both intentional and unintentional,” said Mayor Noble. “We are acting to do everything in our power to get these guns out of our City and to protect the residents of Kingston. We know there is more work to be done, but we hope this is a step towards a peaceful community.”
“The Police Department is offering this incentive for the community and not as an information gathering tool,” said Police Chief Egidio Tinti. “We will not be collecting information from those who use the Groceries for Guns program to exchange a gun or those who provide us with information that leads to the recovery of an illegal firearm.”
The City of Kingston is partnering with community organizations for the Groceries for Guns program: Boys & Girls Club, Center for Creative Education, Harambee, and the Kingston Police Commission have pledged support, with more community partners to come.
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Lt. Michael Bonse Promoted to Deputy Police Chief
Michael A. Bonse has been promoted to Deputy Chief of Police of the Kingston Police Department.
Michael has 24 years of law enforcement experience in Ulster County. He began his career in 1997 with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff. In 1998, he was hired by the City of Kingston Police Department, where he has served as a Patrolman, Training Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. During that time he served in many specialized roles, such as Bicycle Patrol Unit, Marine Patrol Unit, Emergency Services Unit, and Police Instructor. His most recent position was as the Administrative Lieutenant. In that position, he was responsible for the Administrative and Training Division. He served as the Team Commander for the Emergency Services Unit and was integral in achieving the team’s New York State SWAT Team certification. He also serves as the Accreditation Program Manager and has successfully lead the department through its last three assessments. Michael plays an active role in the Ulster County’s Gun Initiated Violence Elimination (GIVE) partnership.
Michael is also the Academy Director for the Ulster County Law Enforcement Training Group, our local police academy, which is a collaborative partnership between SUNY Ulster and the local police agencies. In addition to his work locally, he contracts with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services as both a Law Enforcement Accreditation Program Assessor and as an Instructor/Consultant. He has assisted in the development of several NYS police training course curriculums. Michael received his Associate in Science from SUNY Ulster, Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Communication from Marist College, and a Master of Public Administration in Ethical Leadership from Marist College.
"I am honored to be selected to serve this department's members and our community as the new Deputy Chief of Police," said Bonse. "I hope to help build upon the long, proud history of the Kingston Police Department. I am excited about where we are heading and my role in leading us there. I recognize the many contemporary challenges facing law enforcement today, both nationally and locally. I look forward to working with Chief Tinti, our membership, and the community in fostering stronger relationships and building a stronger, safer community with a police department we can all be proud of."
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Dietz Stadium Update
The Kingston City School District is excited to be able to bring competition sports back for our student athletes. Dietz Stadium continues to be the venue for many of our outdoor sporting events. There are numerous guidelines and regulations in place to make these events safe for our students and coaches.
At this time, we are asking the Kingston community to be respectful of these guidelines, our student athletes, and our coaching staff by refraining from use of the Dietz Stadium track and field during KCSD sporting competitions.
During these events, we are limited to two spectators per athlete inside the stadium who will go through a temperature check and answer a standard COVID questionnaire. These spectators are only allowed in designated areas, can only sit with family members, and must use different entrances and exits than our students and coaches. All of this is being done to protect the safety and health of our students and staff, and their families.
For these same safety reasons, there may also be times when parts of the stadium have restricted access during practices.
Dietz Stadium will still be open to the public when there are no KCSD athletic competitions happening. We are asking our community to respect the fact that it will be closed for public use when school district sporting events are taking place.
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Broadway Businesses Are Open! |
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We know this a hardship for shops and restaurants, so we are highlighting local businesses along Broadway who are open and who can use your patronage! This week, we are spotlighting Masa Midtown and Broadway Pizza.
Masa Midtown, located at 666 Broadway, specializes in Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine. Right now, they're open Thursday, Friday and Saturdays with a delicious menu of meze (vegan options available), kebab, falafel and tons more. Don't miss the Saturday morning market! And as more events and weddings are planned, don't forget Masa will cater.
Broadway Pizza at 652 Broadway is an old-world Italian eatery using family recipes and fresh ingredients. In addition to pizza, wings, and the perfect garlic knots, Broadway Pizza serves homemade meatballs, soups, eggplant and chicken cutlets. Save room for cannoli for dessert! Broadway Pizza is open for takeout and delivery.
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Downs Street will be closed off from Broadway starting Thursday, March 25, for the installation of new sewer lines across the intersection, and is expected to be closed for 1-2 weeks.
The public parking lot will be accessible from Downs street during this intersection closure. Parking for Sea Deli, Masa Midtown and other nearby Broadway businesses will be available at the Downs Street municipal lot and will be accessible by foot.
I-587 Roundabout: excavation for new highway sections on Albany Avenue will continue next week, and installation of highway drainage will begin on Monday, throughout the project limits. In addition, installation of highway street lighting will continue through next week. Expect minor delays.
Central Hudson is working with J. Mullen & Sons to install new natural gas distribution mains and services. Replacement of approximately 10,600 feet of gas lines in the City of Kingston is formally set to begin on March 23 and the project is estimated to take 5 months to complete.
Construction trenching will occur along:
• Rogers St, between Broadway and Adams St
• Wurts St, between McEntee St and W Pierpont St
• Wurts St, between Springs St and Hunter St
• McEntee St, between Wurts St and Ravine St
• W Pierpont St, between Hone St and Hudson St
• Hone St, between W Pierpont St and Spring St
• Hone St, between Hunter St and Abeel St
• Ravine St, between W Pierpont St and Spring St
• Ravine St, between German St and Hunter St
• Hudson St
• Spruce St
• Spring St, between Wurts St and Russell St
• Presidents Pl
• German St
• Hunter St, between Wurts St and Ravine St
• W. Union St
• Abeel St, between Broadway and Wurts St
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Uptown Trash & Recycling Cans |
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Uptown Kingston now has brand new trash and recycling cans for pedestrian use. Nine sets of new trash and recycling cans have been placed near curbs on North Front, Wall, Fair, and John Streets, as well as the municipal parking lots.
“You may soon notice new trash and recycling receptacles across Uptown,” said Mayor Noble. “In response to our Uptown business owners who had requested more trash cans as well as recycling cans in the business district, our DPW delivered shiny new cans this week. With the addition of more outdoor dining and take-away options, we hope the addition of these containers will help us keep Uptown Kingston beautiful and well-maintained. This investment will also allow additional bins to be relocated to other areas of Midtown and Downtown Kingston this spring.”
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Mayor Noble's Tuesday/Thursday Updates
Mayor Noble has been giving regular live updates since mid-March. His now twice-weekly updates can be heard on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00pm via Radio Kingston and the City of Kingston Facebook page.
Click below to hear Thursday's update.
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Hudson River Brickyard Trail Hours Extended
The Hudson River Brickyard Trail section of the Empire State Trail has new spring hours! The trail will be open from 6:00am to 8:00pm.
As a reminder, parking for the Hudson River Brickyard Trail on the City of Kingston side is at the Kingston Point Beach parking lot. The Town of Ulster side has handicap parking at the trailhead.
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Courtesy of ScenicHudson.org (photo by Riley Johndonnell) |
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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.
This system is a valuable resource to submit service requests for streetlight replacement, roadwork, City signage, traffic calming measures and other concerns. Issues with snow removal and reporting of vehicles and sidewalks not in accordance with the Snow Emergency restrictions can also be submitted via Kingston 311. Photos can also be attached to illustrate service orders. Dial 311 from any phone within City limits to reach us.
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Sent on behalf of:
Mayor Steven T. Noble
845.334.3902
mayor@kingston-ny.gov
The purpose of this newsletter is to share important information, project updates, pictures and news from the City of Kingston. For more detailed information, visit:
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