September 8, 2023 - In this issue:

Mayor's Message

Dietz Stadium Construction Update

Kingston Organics Live Event on September 19

Community Choice Aggregation Lunch & Learn

Applications for Parking Task Force Still Open

Roadwork Update for Week of September 11

City of Kingston Job Opportunities

Forsyth Park Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 16

Mayor's Message:


Dear Friends -


I was pleased to tour the current construction work at Dietz Stadium this week with the Kingston City School District Superintendent. We are working together to see that this project is moving forward expeditiously. It’s heartening to see all the work that is already happening, and to discuss with the construction crews their schedule moving forward. We are confident that this project is progressing in a timely and organized manner, and I know the public will be pleased with the result – this complex is going to be a valuable improvement for both the school and the entire community.


The area is now an active construction site, and there will be no public access to the parking lot going forward. For those who use Dietz for walking paths, Live Well Kingston has created some alternative routes. See all three recommended walks can be found here.


On Monday, September 11, the Kingston Fire Department will be lead a brief 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Firemen's Park at 8:30am.


-Steve

Dietz Stadium Construction Update

Mayor Noble and Dr. Paul Padalino, the Superintendent of the Kingston City School District, are pleased to announce that construction work is proceeding at the Dietz Stadium Complex.

 

Fencing is up surrounding the work area, and the stadium complex is now a closed construction site with no public access for the duration of the construction. Site demolition is progressing: the snack shack and the brick administrative building have been demolished. The track surface has been removed. The scoreboard and field lighting have been taken down. All the interior fencing, shrubbery and overgrowth have been removed. Much of the asphalt paving has been pulled up and milled for reuse on the site.

 

The next item on the schedule to start is asbestos abatement of the grandstand in preparation for the interior demolition and extensive remodeling. Additionally, the site contractor will begin earthwork to create a new practice field on the visitor side of the stadium.

  

Although the overall Dietz Stadium & Andretta Pool Improvements Project now has a $26 million approved budget, the actual stadium improvement portion of the project is projected at $21.5 million. That total includes $3 million in grant funding. The total amount that the Kingston City School District is sharing with the City of Kingston is approximately $19 million.

 

The Dietz Stadium improvements to renovate and modernize the stadium complex include:

• Exterior renovations of the grandstand, including improved ADA access, a 50-yard line access tunnel to the locker rooms, new benches, and press box upgrades

• Interior renovations of the grandstand, including upgrades to the restrooms, new locker rooms, new mechanical/ electrical services, coaches offices, training room, and improved storage facilities

• New track surfacing, new turf field, and new LED stadium lighting

• New scoreboard with large screen broadcasting

• All new underground utilities: water, sewer, storm, electric & communications

• Removal of the old concession building and admin building and construction of a new 100’ x 36’ open-air pavilion with food truck hook-ups, concession booth, and referee locker room

• Visitor side concession area with two restrooms

• Expanded grassed practice area with a track & field equipment storage building

• New gated ticket booth grandstand entrance

• Bus parking at stadium entrance, new parking lots with green infrastructure

• Improved access loop road and sidewalks around the stadium

• Two-way access/egress to Hurley Avenue as well as Joys Lane

• Relocated basketball court with benches and lighting

• Pedestrian access/egress walk to Joys Lane near Kingstone Insurance

• New stadium perimeter fencing

• Improved Wi-Fi and security cameras

• Landscaping, including 120+ new trees

 

The Dietz Stadium Improvements Project was kick-started with $2.5 million from the City of Kingston’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative award which helped create the Dietz Stadium Master Plan and designs as well as portions of Phase 1, such as the Andretta Pool Improvements and the installation of a new splash pad. The City of Kingston has also received two New York State grants for green infrastructure improvements to the parking lot and surrounding drive, $1.5 million from the Environmental Facilities Corporation and $1 million from the Department of Environmental Conservation.


The City of Kingston has entered into a Project Labor Agreement with the Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council on behalf of itself and its affiliated local unions, and have contracted with the following local construction companies:

Site construction - OCS Industries, Inc. of Poughkeepsie, NY

General construction - Darlind Associates, Inc. of LaGrangeville, NY

Mechanical/plumbing construction - Dynamic Systems, Inc. (Poughkeepsie)

Electric construction - J&J Sass Electric, Inc. of Kingston.

 

Regular updates at https://engagekingston.com/dietz-stadium-improvements.

Kingston Organics Live Event on September 19

The City of Kingston and the Climate Smart Kingston Commission are hosting a Kingston Organics Live event on Tuesday, September 19 from 5:00-7:00pm at Forsyth Park.


Come to learn all about the Kingston Organics pilot project, and about composting in general! This free, family-friendly event is part of Hudson Valley Climate Solutions Week.


  • Learn about the Kingston Organics project -- with live demonstrations
  • Visit the Food Scraps Drop Off Site “Open House”
  • Enter to win the Backyard Composter Giveaway
  • Learn more about Community Compost Company
  • Purchase Hudson Soil Compost
  • Check out a Composting Demonstration by UCRRA
  • and much more!

Kingston Organics: LIVE

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

5:00 PM 7:00 PM

Forsyth Park parking lot below the tennis courts

157 Lucas Avenue

Community Choice Aggregation Lunch & Learn on 9/19

Join a virtual lunch & learn on Tuesday, September 19 at 12:00pm to hear about Kingston Community Energy – the most comprehensive Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) in New York.


CCAs allow municipalities, their residents, and businesses to bulk purchase renewable energy and Kingston Community Energy is delivering add-on services, like community decision-making, building decarbonization, and equitable financing to meet our climate goals.

Parking Task Force Applications Still Open

The City of Kingston has formed a Parking Task Force, to gather community input regarding parking issues in Kingston including, but not limited to, the business districts and during Snow Emergencies.

 

As the City of Kingston has recently passed a new form-based zoning code which will increase local housing stock, the task force will evaluate how to utilize existing parking resources. The task force will work toward a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a comprehensive parking management study.

  

Membership will consist of nine community members who live and/or work in the City of Kingston, including representatives of groups or institutions. While the focus is on residents, applications from individuals with significant ties to Kingston who are committed to equitable and sustainable economic growth may also be considered. The Parking Task Force is expected to meet periodically over 12 months. Applications can be found here.


More about the City of Kingston’s new form-based zoning code at https://engagekingston.com/kingston-forward.

Roadwork Next Week & Upcoming Paving

The next paving project will be Hooker Street from Lincoln Street to First Avenue; Moore Street from First Avenue to Second Avenue; and Szymanski Street from Third Avenue to the dead end.


Milling is expected to begin on Monday, September 18, with paving on Thursday, September 21 and Friday September 22, 2023, weather depending. 



The KWD valve replacement project includes installing new distribution system valves to replace inoperable valves, will allow the Water Department to better isolate the lines in critical areas in the event of issues or main breaks. The project includes replacement of critical transmission valves and improvements to our SCADA system as well. On Monday, September 11, the valve project will continue at intersection of Clinton and St. James. On Tuesday and Wednesday will move to intersection of Foxhall and Broadway. On Thursday, work will move to Foxhall and Wynkoop


The project will involve some lane/road closures and detours. There will also be water shutoffs for customers in the vicinity. KWD will be doing outreach to the residents in the affected areas, and will be putting door hangers on the homes/businesses that are anticipated to be without water. The Kingston Water Department Facebook page will be updated as work progresses.


Central Hudson On Monday, crews will be working on Delaware Ave.


Henry Street Safe Routes to School Project: crews are currently replacing storm and sewer connections at Fair Street and Henry, and repairing sewer connections at Pine Street and Henry Street. Concrete sidewalk installation continues along the north side of Henry Street, with bluestone sidewalk installation along portions of the north and south side of Henry Street. Granite curb is now being installed along the north side of Henry Street. Underground utilities are being repaired and/or replaced, and old lead lines are being removed and replaced with copper as they are discovered.


ADA Ramps Citywide: restoration has been completed on Clifton Avenue, Prince Street, Smith Street, Park Street, East Chester Street and Hasbrouck Place. Restoration will be completed along Gill Street next. Construction of ramps will begin along East Union Street from Gill Street to Lindsley Avenue and then begin restoration. Central Hudson has replaced a pole at the intersection of Gill Street and East Union Street, and will be relocating wires from old pole to new pole.    



Regular roadwork updates can be found here.

New ADA-accessible curb ramps on Gill Street

City of Kingston Job Opportunities

The City of Kingston is hiring! Current openings include Engineering Technician, Senior Building Inspector, Maintenance Helper, School Crossing Guards, and a Motor Equipment Operator.


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


Upcoming Civil Service Exams include:

Recreation Leader on October 21, 2023

Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) Project Manager on November 4, 2023

Finance & Operations Administrator on November 4, 2023


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.

Forsyth Park Family Fun Day on September 16!

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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