January 12, 2024 - In this issue:

Mayor's Message

City of Kingston Flood Resources

Apply to Serve on the Kingston Conservation Advisory Council

Kingston Seeks Members of Zoning Code Working Group

Parks & Rec Indoor Pickleball

Monday Midtown Walking Group

Mayor Noble's Tuesday Radio Show

City of Kingston Job Opportunities

Mayor's Message:


Dear Friends -


We started the new year with a blast of winter weather and more than one tidal flooding event.


I want to thank everyone who complied with the Snow Emergency rules and helped us clear the roads quickly and efficiently. We are still struggling with compliance - we issued almost 300 tickets and towed 35 vehicles. If you know anyone who isn't signed up for our Snow Emergency alerts, please encourage your friends and neighbors to sign up for Smart 911.


With the warmer temps, snow melt and tidal flooding, we will continue to experience flooding events here in Kingston, possibly as early as tomorrow. I encourage anyone in the flood zone to also sign up for the Smart911 alerts. More on how you can prepare for future flooding events below.



-Steve

City of Kingston Flood Resources

The City of Kingston is prone to frequent tidal flooding-- waters that rise from the Hudson River and Rondout Creek up into our streets and neighborhoods at high tide. We have a flood response team, which operates during flood emergencies to close flooded roadways, alert the public of dangerous conditions, and help protect against flood damage.


Here are a few ways to prepare yourself and your home or business for future flooding events:


  • If you live or work in the high risk flood zones, sign up for Kingston’s Smart911 system to get real-time notifications during emergencies.


  • Check out our Flood Preparedness Guide at kingston-ny.gov/floodpreparedness to find a map of flood prone areas, information on emergency shelters for people and pets, and instructions for creating a flood emergency kit. Create a plan for your home and know the best routes for evacuation.


Before, during and after a flood event, we often need to close off flooded roadways. It is critical to heed these road closures – turn around, don’t drown. It could save your life.


As extreme weather events become more frequent and devastating, we want to help Kingston residents stay safe.


Visit Kingston-ny.gov/floodpreparedness for more information. 

Recent road closure due to flooding

Kingston Conservation Advisory Council

The Kingston Conservation Advisory Council is looking for new members. The CAC’s mission is to ensure the conservation of Kingston’s natural resources and the enhancement and protection of its environment while fostering unified action on environmental matters.


Listed below are some of the issues we will be working on or following in 2024:

  • Air Quality – including gas-powered leaf blowers
  • Community Preservation Plan
  • Lower Esopus Watershed Management Plan
  • Native plants and pollinators
  • NYNJHATS Army Corps Storm Surge Barriers
  • Projects listed in Engage Kingston
  • Updates to the Kingston Comprehensive Plan (Kingston 2025)
  • Wetland protection


More information about the work at www.kingston-ny.gov/kingstoncac.


Members of the CAC should be residents of Kingston. The CAC meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm in Kingston City Hall Conference Room 1. The next meeting will be on February 13, 2024.


Application is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KingstonBoards

Zoning Code Working Group Application

The City of Kingston is seeking four members of the public to join a form-based zoning code working group.


This working group will work with City staff to ensure that the newly-adopted zoning code meets its objectives in areas such as housing development, walkability, and small business development. As needed, the working group will also be involved in suggesting zoning amendments to the Common Council.


Applications are due January 31, 2024. City of Kingston residents and anyone that can demonstrate a connection to the City are eligible to apply. The zoning code working group application can be found here.


On August 2, 2023, the City of Kingston passed a new citywide form-based zoning code. The code is designed to make it easier to develop in Kingston while protecting what makes the City so unique. More recently, the City announced a goal to approve 1,000 new housing units by 2029.


For more information about the zoning code: https://engagekingston.com/kingston-forward

Parks & Rec's Indoor Pickleball Club

Parks and Recreation's new Indoor Pickleball Club, which just began in January, has been a huge hit!


For other Parks & Rec programs, visit kingstonparksandrec.org

Midtown Mondays Walking Group

The Midtown Mondays Walking Group returns on Monday, January 22, 2024.

 

Live Well Kingston is offering a free 6-week indoor walking program inspired by the Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease Program. Participants will receive an Arthritis Foundation Walk With Ease Guidebook at the end of the program.

 

Each one-hour class will include:

  • A brief discussion on arthritis, (and other related conditions) and how to exercise safely and comfortably.
  • Warm-up movement and stretches (this can be done seated or standing).
  • Walking laps around the gymnasium at your own pace.
  • Cool-down movement and stretches.

 

Bring a neighbor or companion. Aides and caregivers are welcomed to join. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. Water refill station is available. Restrooms and gymnasium are on the ground floor. 

 

Join Mondays from 11:00am–12:00pm on January 22 & 29, February 5, 12, & 26, and March 4 at the Andy Murphy Neighborhood Center at 467 Broadway.

 

To register, call 334-3951 and leave your name and phone number. Or email [email protected].


To learn more about Age Well visit Live Well Kingston.

Mayor Noble's Tuesday Radio Show

Mayor Noble's weekly radio show, "It's the Mayor" airs on Tuesdays at 5pm on Radio Kingston. This week, Mayor Noble spoke with City of Kingston Grants Management Director Ruth Ann Devitt-Frank.

 

Click below to listen to their conversation!

City of Kingston Job Opportunities

The City of Kingston is hiring! Current openings include:



  • School crossing guards


Job descriptions and details available at https://kingston-ny.gov/Employment.


Upcoming Civil Service Exams include:


Emergency Services Dispatcher I Trainee on January 27, 2024

Purchasing Assistant on February 10, 2024

Purchasing Coordinator on February 10, 2024


The following civil service examinations will be given on a continual recruitment basis. Exams will be given every six months and names will be interfiled on the eligible lists.



Office Assistant

Office Assistant I

Typist


The Police Officer Physical Agility Exam is now being offered on a continuous recruitment basis.


More at Police Officer Physical Agility Examination


The City of Kingston has over 25 boards & commissions, and we're always looking for volunteers to serve the community. 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.

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. 

Sent on behalf of:

Mayor Steven T. Noble

845.334.3902

[email protected]

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:

www.kingston-ny.gov

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