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August 21, 2020 - In This Issue:
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
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Dear Friends,
We have talked about the 2020 Census here many times, but I want to reiterate how very important it is for every single person in our community to participate. An accurate count ensures that our community gets all the resources we need from the federal government. Bringing our City out of a pandemic and a financial crisis will take every available resource, so the importance of the census cannot be overstated.
We are working with Ulster County to encourage all remaining Kingston residents to complete the census. It's fast and easy, and can be taken here.
For those who have not yet completed the census, you will be visited by a census taker, who will knock on your door and will be wearing identification (and a mask). The last day to complete the census is September 30, so I urge you to take it soon.
I want to thank you all again for your ongoing work to stop the spread of Coronavirus in our community. The number of cases in Kingston remains low, and credit is due to the diligence of each of you.
Please continue to stay safe, and take care.
-Steve
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Peaceful Guardians Project to Assist the
Re-Envision Public Safety Task Force
The Peaceful Guardians Project will assist with the City of Kingston's Re-Envision Public Safety Task Force.
The Re-Envision Public Safety Task Force will address law enforcement-community relations, use-of-force policies, procedural justice, systemic racial bias, and practices that may contribute to racial disparity in the community, among other issues. The task force will review current police force policies, procedures, and practices, and develop a plan for any necessary improvements, with a focus on the needs of the community and fostering trust. The Re-envision Public Safety Task Force will meet at least monthly from September 2020 to April 2021 and will work to provide a comprehensive plan, which must be ratified by April 1, 2021.
The Peaceful Guardians Project, a local community-police relations organization, will help recruit and coordinate volunteers for the task force, will facilitate monthly meetings and public forums, and will collect research and feedback to prepare final recommendations.
"We are grateful to have the Peaceful Guardians Project on board to facilitate the task force meetings and guide the community through this process," said Mayor Noble. "This is a time when we can think big about our law enforcement and reimagine what community policing should look like. In order to do that, we have to build trust amongst members of the community. Having the Peaceful Guardians Project involved, I believe will go a long way to bridging that divide. I look forward to working with Lester Strong and his team, and seeing what innovative ideas we hear from the task force."
"We are delighted to support the work of the Public Safety Task Force," said Lester Strong, Executive Director of Peaceful Guardians Project. "We are in the midst of a critical inflection point, not only for Kingston but also for the entire country, in ensuring the safety and well-being of every citizen. The Peaceful Guardians Project is honored to help our community make this transition."
The Peaceful Guardians Project was founded in 2018 as a communications bridge between law enforcement and the Kingston community, and has worked collaboratively with the Kingston Police Department and the Kingston City School District.
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Building Safety & Zoning Department Hiring
The City is seeking a qualified applicant to fill a position at the Kingston Building Safety and Zoning Department: Assistant Director of Building Safety and Zoning.
Work involves the inspection of buildings for compliance with building codes and other related regulations. The work involves inspection and administrative work to assure compliance with the zoning regulations of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Work involves the enforcement of planning and Zoning Commission policies, directions and state laws. The position will oversee the Department of Building Safety in conjunction with or in the absence of the Director of Building Safety and Zoning Enforcement.
Applications must be received in the the Civil Service Office by Friday, August 28, 2020 no later than 4:00pm. Applications for this position may be obtained from the Civil Service Office in City Hall, 420 Broadway on the ground floor between the hours of 10am-2pm or at https://kingston-ny.gov/employment.
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Cornell Creative Arts Center
Mayor Noble and the City of Kingston's Director of Arts & Cultural Affairs Adrielle Farr were provided a socially-distanced tour of the new Cornell Creative Arts Center last week. The Center plans to offer a wide variety of arts-related services, including co-working & studio space for rent.
The CCAC is home to a brand new ceramic studio, a dance studio, and digital media lab. The CCAC will host gallery exhibitions, art classes, and be a new community resource for midtown Kingston. More information can be found at: cornellcreativeartscenter.com/
 Rachel Jacob, Adrielle Farr, Mayor Noble, Lori McCabe, Jillian Rahm at the new CCAC
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Mayor Noble's Updates - Tuesdays & Thursdays
Mayor Noble has been live on Radio Kingston since mid-March to give the latest information about Coronavirus and issues effecting the community. These updates also stream on the City of Kingston Facebook page.
This week we had some technical difficulties with our recording equipment, but were back up and running on Thursday. Click below to watch Thursday's update.
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Roadwork Update
Central Hudson: this week, work was done to complete s ervice installation on East Chester Street, on Grant Street & Vangaasbeck Street, and on Pearl St Street working between Wall Street & Washington Ave.
Empire State Trail: the week of August 17, the contractor is scheduled to prep for installation of stone walls along Route 32. Immediately following, the path and shoulder on the west side of Route 32 will be paved.
I-587 Roundabout: this week, the water and drainage will be installed. Excavation for asphalt placement on Broadway will occur. Minor traffic delays are anticipated.
Broadway Streetscape: Henry Street park sidewalk was started. Bricklayers continue to head west from YMCA. Three drainage structure tops will be placed this week going uphill toward YMCA. Work is progressing west to end of project limits with sidewalk and bioswales.
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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. |
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