June 17, 2022 - In this issue:
Mayor's Message
Covid Update
Midtown Parking Lots Improvements Begins
Kingston Point Beach Now Open, Andretta Pool to Open June 25
Kingston Launches Traffic Safety Campaign
Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday June 18
Free Albany Symphony Event in Kingston
Roadwork Update & Paving News
Kingston & RUPCO to Apply for Broadway Revitalization Grant
Mayor Noble Tuesday Radio Show
Mayor's Message:

Dear Friends -

This week we announced a task force to guide the implementation of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) here in Kingston. We have not opted out of allowing licensing for local dispensaries and on-site consumption, and we'd like input on how MRTA tax proceeds can be reinvested in our community to achieve the law’s social equity objectives. If you'd like to be considered for the task force, click here.

We also announced this week that Ole Savannah and O'Connor & Partners will sponsor Fourth of July fireworks! We thank them for their support of this community event!

-Steve
Covid Update
There are currently 140 active cases in Ulster County and 26 in Kingston.

Latest news:
Midtown Parking Lots Project Begins
The Midtown Parking Lots Improvements Project has begun. 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 the former Sea Deli), Cornell and Thomas Streets (adjacent to Little Italy), and Broadway and Jansen Avenue (next to Monkey Joe).
 
The Cornell lot will remain at least half open at all times during construction. The two smaller lots will be closed for the duration. The construction schedule will be as follows:

The south half of the Cornell lot will be in construction June 13 to August 1
The lot near the former Sea Deli will be in construction from June 16 to July 20
The lot next to Monkey Joes will be in construction from July 21 to August 22
The north half of the Cornell lot will be in construction August 23 to October 6
 
Green infrastructure includes bioswales and permeable pavers that 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.
 
Beach Now Open, Pool Opens June 25
Kingston Point Beach officially opened today. The beach will be open with lifeguards on duty five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00am-4:45pm.
 
The Andretta Pool and splash pad will be open to the public starting on Saturday, June 25, 2022. The pool will be open Wednesdays through Sundays (times vary each day, see schedule). Mondays and Tuesdays are closed for summer camp swim days. The pool is free and open to the public.
 
Hours for the beach and pool are subject to change, based on staffing and weather. Check Kingston Parks and Recreation Facebook page for updates.

As part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant, the City of Kingston is investing approximately $1.8 million in Andretta Pool Improvements. The City has completed Phase 1, which included a new roof and masonry repairs at the pool house; pool lining repairs and installation of a new pump and filter; and the installation of a new splash pad. Phase 2 will begin with renovation of the pool house interior when the 2022 swim season closes. More info at https://engagekingston.com/dietz-stadium-andretta-pool-improvements
Kingston Launches Traffic Safety Campaign
The City of Kingston is launching a new traffic safety campaign for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. The “Be a Road Hero” initiative is a public awareness campaign to educate on the City’s recently implemented transportation projects and resulting changes, and to emphasize safety for all modes of travel. The campaign will include a series of videos, social media posts, lawn signs, and a direct mailer to every mailbox in the City of Kingston.

Through the “Be a Road Hero” campaign messaging, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians are reminded that:
  • Cyclists must obey all signs, markings and signals.
  • Motor vehicles are never permitted to park in cycle tracks or buffer zone.
  • Regardless of how you are traveling, stay alert, especially at crossings and cycle tracks.

Several new traffic reconfigurations have been implemented in Kingston in the last year, along with many new safety features including: new traffic signs, green bicycle turn boxes, reconfigured street lanes with cycle tracks, dedicated traffic signals for cyclists, high-visibility crosswalks, ADA compliant sidewalks and curbs, and pedestrian rapid flashing beacons. To learn more about the traffic safety campaign, visit https://engagekingston.com/be-a-road-hero.
 
As part of the educational campaign, Bike Friendly Kingston will host an informative bicycle ride and tour on Thursday, July 7 at 6:00pm. Participants will learn first-hand how to use some of the new bicycle infrastructure, including the two-way cycle track, green two-stage turning boxes, and more.
Juneteenth Celebration on June 18
Join Harambee for the annual Juneteenth celebration next Saturday. The 2022 Juneteenth event will feature a special appearance by author and sixth generation great-granddaughter of Sojourner Truth, Barbara Allen, as well as wonderful performances, vendors, food, kids activities and more.
Albany Symphony Event on June 19
The Albany Symphony will host a special day-long event on Sunday, June 19, 2022, that is free and open to the public.
 
The TrailBlaze series celebrates New York’s 750-mile Empire State Trail with events over five weekends and across nine counties. The TrailBlaze Kingston event will include a full day of outdoor activities culminating in a performance by the Albany Symphony at Hutton Brickyards followed by fireworks.

Parking will be limited. Parking will be available at Hutton Brickyards, with overflow parking available at Kingston Point Beach & Park. More information and a full schedule of events can be found here.
Roadwork Update for Week of June 20
Paving news: the next round of paving will be Harding Ave, York Place, and Colfax Place. DPW is preparing the area for paving work, including cleaning sewer mains under the roads and trimming trees to make room for the paving machinery.

Milling is expected to begin Thursday, June 23, and weather permitting, paving is expected to begin Wednesday, June 29 and completed by Friday, July 1.

Central Hudson: Main installation will continue next week on Farrelly St, Gage St, and Emerick St with road closures and lane changes. Service replacements will continue on Clifton Ave and Stephan Street with detours and road closures. 

Regular Roadwork Updates are posted on the City's website here. More info about paving projects can be found at https://kingston-ny.gov/paving.
Existing conditions on York Place
Kingston & RUPCO to Apply for Broadway Revitalization Grant
The City of Kingston is partnering with RUPCO to apply for a New York Main Street grant to revitalize the Broadway business corridor.
 
The City of Kingston and RUPCO are seeking Broadway property owners (from the I-587 roundabout to the Rondout Creek) to participate in the New York Main Street grant application process. The New York Main Street grant would support business creation/retention and housing along Broadway and can contribute to the landscape amenities of the future square at the Broadway and Grand intersection that is currently under design.
 
The New York Main Street program is administered by the NYS Office of Homes and Community Renewal under the direction of the Housing Trust Fund Corporation. If awarded, the funding would assist Broadway property owners in renovating exterior facades and storefronts or interior renovations for commercial and residential housing units. As the Local Program Administrator, RUPCO would help property owners navigate the process and access the reimbursement funding.

For the initial New York Main Street grant application, RUPCO will collaborate with participating Broadway property owners to identify the project scope and budget that will fit the grant guidelines and support the application. Participating in the grant application partnership does not guarantee funding. The application is due on July 29, 2022, with grant awards to be announced in December 2022. Funding would be available in 2023.   
 
To find out more, contact Kristen Wilson, RUPCO's Assistant Vice President of Community Development, at 845-331-2140 or [email protected].
Mayor Noble's Tuesday Radio Show
Mayor Noble hosts a weekly radio show on Tuesdays at 5:00pm which airs live on Radio Kingston and the City of Kingston Facebook page.

This week, Mayor Noble spoke with Ed Norman, Superintendent of Public Works, about paving, roadwork, and more! Click below to hear their discussion.
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
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: