Latest Covid-19 Information |
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Kingston Point Improvements Underway |
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Next Round of Paving Announced |
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Midtown Parking Lots Green Infrastructure Project |
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Rickel Knox Memorial Playground Rededication |
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Return of the Kingston Artists Soapbox Derby |
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City of Kingston Job Opportunities |
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Mayor Noble's Tuesday Radio Show |
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
Dear Friends,
We've had some extreme weather this summer, and we've seen the direct result of the western wildfires in our air quality here in Kingston. These dramatic weather events will only become more frequent as climate change intensifies.
In the City of Kingston, we take climate change very seriously, and incorporate green measures into our planning and design for municipal projects: from returning the Kingston Point parking lot to a wetland and building and elevated lot nearby, to creating a big picture guidebook for our future with the Climate Action Plan 2030. Kingston has been a leader in sustainability, but we know the fight is just beginning.
-Steve
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COVID-19 Information
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As of today, there are 112 active Covid-19 cases in Ulster County, 10 in Kingston, and there have been 267 deaths across the County. More local resources at Ulster County Covid-19 Information
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The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is now accepting applications. Details here.
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Small Business Recovery Loans provide flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in New York that have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic
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Kingston Point Park Improvements Underway |
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The Kingston Point Park Infrastructure Improvements Project Phase 1 is now underway. Phase 1 includes the creation of a youth soccer field and parking lot improvements, and is funded through a grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. A new playground will also be constructed as part of the project, which was funded by the City’s Recreation Fund. These amenities will be constructed adjacent to the beach on the north of Delaware, east of the entrance to the beach.
“The community has been asking for a soccer field for years, and we are thrilled to add yet another brand new playground to our expansive parks portfolio,” said Mayor Noble. “This project also takes into consideration environmental/sustainability efforts. The new parking lot will be raised several feet to prevent flooding. The Department of Environmental Conservation conducted a wetland delineation of the site and we have been working with them to design Phase 2 of the project, which will include converting the existing parking lot to a wetland.”
The master plan for the project has been divided into two phases: Phase 1, currently underway, includes the improvements north of Delaware Avenue: the soccer field, parking lot, and playground. Phase 1 engineering designs were completed by Brinnier and Larios, a Kingston design and engineering firm and construction is being done by TJR Excavating Contractors out of Poughquag, NY. The Playground design and construction is being done by Jeffrey Associates, with a Playworld system. Phase 1 is expected to be complete by early fall. Phase 2 will include improvements south of Delaware Avenue: the facilitation and formal creation of a wetland at the west end of the existing parking lot, and improvements to the east end of the parking lot. Phase 2 design and construction will follow Phase 1. The City has applied for grant funding for Phase 2 and is awaiting awards.
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Next Round of Paving Announced
The next round of paving in 2021 includes Hunter Street from Wurts to Ravine and McEntee Street from Broadway to West Pierpont.
The Department of Public Works will begin milling on or about August 2, weather depending. Paving is scheduled to begin August 9, and be completed by August 13, weather permitting. Expect intermittent lane changes and detours, which may cause slight delays.
“This has been a very busy and productive construction season for us here in the City of Kingston,” said Mayor Noble. “Just this week, construction for the Broadway Grand Intersection Improvements Project began, and the DOT team paved Washington Avenue from Hurley Ave to the bridge over Esopus Creek. We know this may feel like a lot of detour signs, but we’re making great progress in improving the City’s infrastructure for our residents.”
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Midtown Parking Lots Green Infrastructure Improvements |
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A public engagement survey is now open for the Midtown Parking Lots Improvements Project. With $1.2 million in funding from the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Green Infrastructure Grant Program (GIGP), the City of Kingston will reconstruct three municipal parking lots in Midtown using green stormwater infrastructure. Repairs and upgrades will be made to the parking lots at Broadway and Downs Street (next to Sea Deli), Cornell and Thomas Streets (adjacent to Little Italy), and Broadway and Jansen Avenue (next to Monkey Joe).
Green infrastructure includes bioswales and permeable pavers, which prevent untreated stormwater from entering closed drainage systems, which can lead to erosion and flooding. By integrating green infrastructure into these parking lots and along sidewalks, stormwater is filtered before the water enters rivers and streams. The green infrastructure improvements are designed to help protect and preserve the Rondout Creek and Hudson River while meeting parking needs along the Broadway corridor in Midtown.
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Green Infrastructure design concept for Cornell Street parking lot |
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Rickel Knox Memorial Playground Ribbon Cutting
Last weekend, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony for brand-new playground equipment at the Rickel Knox Memorial Playground. Located at 22 Gill Street, the playground was in need of an upgrade after its initial dedication 20 years ago. The Parks & Recreation and DPW teams, with support from the Knox family, worked together to completely renovate the space. The playground now has a rubber surface for safe play, new accessible play structures, and a gorgeous new mural by Jalani Lion. It was a lovely day to honor a beautiful soul and to gather those who love and remember her.
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The City of Kingston is Hiring!
The City of Kingston is hiring for a number of positions across several departments. We are looking for qualified applicants for the following positions:
-Network Support Technician (IT Dept)
-Historic Preservation Specialist
-Recreation Leader at the Parks & Recreation dept.
-Heavy Motor Equipment Operator
-Fire Inspector
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The Soapbox Derby Returns! |
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The Kingston Artists Soapbox Derby is back! The event will be held on August 15 at 1:00pm on lower Broadway. This beloved community event promotes the arts and encourages creativity. Registration and design requirements can be found at kingstonartistsoapboxderby.com. Sign up to participate today!
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Mayor Noble's Tuesday Radio Show
This week, Mayor Noble talked with the City of Kingston Environmental Education & Sustainability Coordinator, Julie Noble, on his weekly radio show, which can be heard live on Radio Kingston and the City of Kingston Facebook page on Tuesdays at 5:00pm.
Click below to hear his conversation with Julie Noble about Community Choice Aggregation for community-wide affordable green energy, the Climate Action Plan 2030 and more!
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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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