Latest Covid-19 Information
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Kingston to Receive $18M in Federal Aid
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Broadway Businesses Are Open!
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Kingston Air Quality Initiative Findings
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Mayor Noble's Weekly Radio Updates
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Center for Creative Education's Women's History Month Event
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
Dear Friends,
On March 13, 2020, I first declared a State of Emergency in the City of Kingston. We had our first known case of Covid-19, a quickly-spreading virus that, at the time, we knew little about. Earlier that week, we had been contemplating whether or not to proceed with the annual Shamrock Run, and almost overnight, the world was shut down.
Since that day one year ago, we have had 1768 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 46 fatalities.
We mourn those who have passed. We know this year has been painful for so many. Many people lost their jobs. Parents had to find childcare with young students at home. After such a brutal challenge, we can finally say that there is light at the end of the tunnel and help is on the way. Vaccines are becoming more widely available each week, and I encourage everyone to sign up for a vaccination as soon as you are eligible. The recent Federal stimulus aid will also usher in much needed support. We can see a brighter tomorrow.
While we know this virus is not past us, I am optimistic about the future. I ask that we all hold on a little longer, refrain from gatherings with those who are not yet vaccinated, and continue to be diligent with handwashing and mask-wearing. Soon we will be able to resume celebrating our traditions, enjoy a community meal together, and visit with loved ones we’ve missed so much.
It’s difficult to fathom that it has been one year of cancelled community events, Zoom meetings, and isolation from our friends and loved ones. Despite being socially distanced, in some ways, our community feels closer than ever. We’ve come together to support one another in ways we never could have predicted.
I want to give thanks today for how far we’ve come. I’d like to first thank the County Executive Pat Ryan and his team, who have reacted swiftly and smartly to every new challenge the pandemic created. A huge thank you to healthcare workers who were bravely on the frontline of this battle. To all the essential workers who kept our stores and restaurants open during the darkest times. I would also like to thank City staff, who kept the water running, the streets clean, the snow plowed, and kept our community running in so many other ways. I want to thank the Kingston Emergency Food Collaborative, People’s Place, and all of our not-for-profits who stepped up to keep our community fed and taken care of to the best of our ability during this difficult time. For all those who have supported your community, your neighbors – thank you.
-Steve
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COVID-19 Information
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As of Friday, March 12, there are 1,618 active Covid-19 cases in Ulster County, 218 in Kingston, and there have been 236 deaths across the County. More local resources at Ulster County Covid-19 Information
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The COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker Dashboard will update New Yorkers on the distribution of the vaccine including the number of doses received by the state, a breakdown of first or second doses, and the number of persons vaccinated with the first and second doses in each region.
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The Open Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers has been extended through May 15, 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health or directly through insurers.
- Starting April 1, domestic travelers will no longer be required to quarantine after entering New York from another U.S. State or territory.
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Beginning March 15, weddings and catered events can resume statewide following guidelines HERE.
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Beginning March 22, non-residential social gatherings will increase to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors.
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Health care workers can text NYFRONTLINE to 741-741 to access 24/7 emotional support services. Any New Yorker can call the COVID-19 Emotional Support Hotline at 1-844-863-9314 for mental health counseling.
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Kingston to Receive $18M in Federal Aid
The City of Kingston is expected to receive $18.66 million as a part of the Federal stimulus package.
Comptroller John Tuey and Mayor Noble are working to create a guide to best utilize the funds, which will be delivered as a part of the American Rescue Plan that President Joseph R. Biden signed into law on Thursday. The Mayor's Kingston Economic Recovery plan will be directed by federal guidelines, will incorporate community input and will build upon existing community projects, while also supporting new initiatives that support recovery from the pandemic.
According to the American Rescue Plan, funds may be used for:
- Costs associated with responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency or its negative economic impacts
- Support for workers performing essential work during the COVID-19 public health emergency
- Revenue losses caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency
- Necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure
The money for local governments will be disbursed in two installments over a two-year period. Municipalities like Kingston that are CDBG entitlement communities will receive the first allocation within 60 days.
“I would like to thank Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who worked tirelessly to secure funds for New York and so many municipalities like ours state-wide, as well as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Representative Antonio Delgado, whose Direct Support for Communities Act bill was instrumental in getting local governments aid,” said Mayor Noble. “This much-needed infusion will go a long way in helping to restore our families, our businesses, and our community as we move forward to a brighter tomorrow.”
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State Park Job Opportunity
Public Safety Rangers provide general security services within the Division of Park Police of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. They are responsible for insuring patron safety, and the prevention of unlawful activities. This is a seasonal-only position, generally from late May to Labor Day. Public Safety Rangers are subject to the provisions of the Security Guard Act of 1993, are unarmed and have neither peace nor police officer status. They will be assigned to patrol park facilities and grounds, maintain order, enforce park ordinances/regulations, and answer questions from park patrons. On a situational basis, incumbents may also assist with search and rescue operations and marine patrol. Salary is $18.88/hour.
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Broadway Businesses Are Open!
We know this a hardship for shops and restaurants, so we are highlighting local businesses along Broadway who are open and who can use your patronage!
The Anchor at 744 Broadway has been in the epicenter of the construction for over a year and have to pivot many times, but are still serving some of Kingston's best food and drinks. The gastropub specializes in grass-fed burgers and 12 flavors of wings, and has tons of beers on-tap. The Anchor is open for pick-up and delivery from 11am-8:00pm Tuesday through Sunday. Everything on the menu is delicious - and don't forget dessert!
Earl B. Feiden's Appliances at 661 Broadway has been family-owned and operated since 1926. They have the latest styles and models in everything for your kitchen and laundry room. They also have grills so you can gear up for the summer. Feiden's offer the best in home appliances at discount prices. Visit their website or Facebook page for more info.
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Roadwork Update
NYS DOT has finished the repair work on Greenkill Ave.
Broadway Sewer Project: Broadway will be closed from 7:00am to 5:00pm from Down Street to O’Neil Street for the next two weeks. Eastbound traffic will be routed north on Downs Street to Tremper Ave, then southbound onto O’Neil Street back to Broadway. Westbound traffic will be routed onto O’Neil Street, north to Tremper Street southbound onto Downs Street to Broadway.
I-587 Roundabout: Excavation for new highway sections on Albany Avenue will begin on Monday, March 15. Highway drainage installation will commence the week of March 29 throughout the project limits. In addition, installation of highway street lighting will continue the week of March 22. Expect minor delays.
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Kingston Air Quality Initiative Presents First Year Findings
In partnership with Center for the Study of Land, Air, and Water at Bard College and the Conservation Advisory Council’s Air Quality Subcommittee, the City of Kingston announced the initial findings of the Kingston Air Quality Initiative (KAQI) after its first year of research and data collection.
“The initial findings of local air quality here in Kingston have been eye-opening,” said Mayor Noble. “The particulates that the KAQI is monitoring are extremely harmful and we are relieved to see that our community is not experiencing a high rate of these particulates in our air. These monitoring efforts are one piece of the City of Kingston’s ongoing mission to assure the quality of our air, and the protection of open spaces.”
KAQI’s monitoring efforts this year focused on fine particulate matter (PM2.5), as measured from the roof of the Andy Murphy Neighborhood Center on Broadway in Kingston. PM 2.5 is made up of microscopic particles that are the products of burning fuel, and is released into the air through exhausts from oil burners, gas burners, automobiles, cooking, grilling, and both indoor and outdoor wood burning. PM 2.5 particles are so tiny, they stay suspended in the air for long periods of time, allowing them to travel long distances before depositing. When these particles are inhaled, they can enter the bloodstream through the lungs, creating or exacerbating health issues. Recent evidence shows that even very small increases in exposure to PM 2.5 can lead to higher death rates in people who have contracted COVID-19.
After a full year of monitoring, KAQI found that, while levels of PM 2.5 measured at the Andy Murphy Neighborhood Center do vary, levels rarely reached dangerous thresholds as regulated by the EPA. Occasional spikes in daily averages do occur, and potential sources include burning fuel for heating during cold winter months. Only one date, in February 2020, surpassed the EPA’s 24-hour public health threshold (35 ug/m3). While tracking PM 2.5, the KAQI monitor was also able to track Kingston-wide events like fireworks on the Fourth of July, the air-cleansing action of rain, and the real-time decreases in air quality associated with temperature inversions in the Hudson Valley. You can see these findings and more detail as illustrated by graphs and visuals at the city website: https://kingston-ny.gov/airquality.
To get a better understanding of neighborhood and individual-level exposures, the KAQI’s next step is to establish more air quality stations and to monitor inside and outside homes. For more information or ways to get involved, please contact: CAC@kingston-ny.gov or visit https://kingston-ny.gov/airquality.
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Mayor Noble's Tuesday/Thursday Updates
Mayor Noble has been giving regular live updates since mid-March 2020. His now twice-weekly updates can be heard on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:00pm via Radio Kingston and the City of Kingston Facebook page.
Click below to hear Thursday's update, in which the Mayor discusses the anniversary of our first confirmed Covid cases.
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CCE's Women's History Month Event Tomorrow
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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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