February 11, 2022 - In this issue:
Mayor's Message
Covid Update
Storm Recovery Resource Meetings at City Hall
Sojourner Truth Walk on February 19
Kingston Forward: Upcoming Zoning Meetings
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:

Dear Friends,
We are still cleaning up from the ice storm last week. I want to sincerely thank the round-the-clock efforts of our linemen and restoration teams, as well as the Department of Public Works, our Fire and Police Departments and the Waste Water Treatment workers for their tireless efforts during and after the storm.

We thank our partners in the state government, including Governor Hochul for her support and County Executive Pat Ryan and his team, who we were in continual contact with throughout the storm to coordinate efforts.

We are extremely lucky that, though we were severely impacted, we had no loss of life or serious injury in Kingston.

As we continue clean-up, DPW will be collecting yard waste and debris. To prepare branches for pick-up, break limbs into to manageable size pieces as best you can. Pile wood near the curb, not in the street, and try to maintain an accessible sidewalk.

There is no designated day for yard waste pick-up. DPW will make runs as they are able and it could take a couple of weeks to reach every stop.

As the Parks & Recreation teams works to remove hazardous tree limbs, branches, and damaged equipment, all City of Kingston parks are closed until further notice.

Thanks for your patience as we continue these efforts!

-Steve
Covid Update
There are currently 363 cases in Ulster County and 52 in the City of Kingston. These numbers are dramatically down from a month ago. We hit our peak in mid-Janaury and have been steadily declining since.

Over the next two weeks the UCDOH will be holding free vaccine clinics at three locations within Kingston that are are open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments are appreciated.

At each site, vaccines for children (5-11) and adults (12+) as well as booster shots of the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) vaccines will be available. Appointments and locations are also available at vaccinateulster.com.

George Washington Elementary School on Monday, February 14, 2022 from 4:00 to 6:30pm:

Other helpful info:
  • While Governor Hochul has lifted the state-wide mask mandate, municipalities and businesses can still institute their own protocols.
  • At City Hall and other municipal buidlings, masks must still be worn by unvaccinated visitors and employees.
Storm Resource Meeting at City Hall
A Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) is a readily accessible facility where residents can get information about County and other disaster assistance programs, or for questions related to filing for insurance claims or other assistance.

Some of the services that the DAC will provide include:
  • Guidance regarding disaster recovery assistance and programs for survivors
  • Answers to questions, resolution to problems and referrals to agencies that may provide further assistance
  • Housing assistance and rental resource information
  • Mental health services

For public transportation options to the DAC, visit the UCAT website.

If you are unable to travel to the DAC location, call the Department of Financial Services Disaster Hotline at 800-339-1759 for financial assistance, or the Ulster County Recovery Service Center at 845-443-8888 for County services.
Sojourner Truth Walk on February 19

As part of the Black History Month in Kingston event, the annual Sojourner Truth Walk will take place on Saturday, February 19, 2022. The walk will help participants relive the life highlights of legendary abolitionist Sojourner Truth as we acknowledge parts of her life including her escape route to freedom. This walk will include brief pit stops with readings along the way.

Free parking at Dietz Stadium with bus service to/from the starting point in Port Ewen. Buses depart Deitz Stadium at 11:00am, and arrive at the starting point in Town of Esopus around 11:20am. The walk will end at the Ulster County Courthouse in Uptown Kingston.

To register for the walk, and for other Black History Month Kingston events, please visit: blackhistorymonthkingston.org
Kingston Forward: Upcoming Zoning Meetings
The City of Kingston will host additional public engagement meetings for the Kingston Forward rezoning initiative, which will focus on three areas: the Hurley and Albany Avenue corridors and the Rondout Waterfront.

Four additional events from February 23-26, will further inform proposed updates to the zoning code and will gather the community’s input and vision for future preservation and development in these three key areas.

Get a Kingston Forward update and provide input on the vision and potential zoning standards at one or all of the following events:
 
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 6:30pm

Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 6:30pm
Albany Avenue Area Walking Tour (weather permitting)
Saturday, February 26, 12:00pm

Saturday, February 26, 2:00pm

There is also an online survey available. Your answers to the survey will help to shape the draft code.

For more event information, visit www.engagekingston.com/kingston-forward
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
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: