KPD Earns Re-accreditation Award |
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City of Kingston Launches Rental Assistance Program |
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City Hosts Series of Business Owner Meetings |
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Made in Kingston Pop-Up Markets |
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Mayor Noble's Tuesday/Thursday Updates |
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
Dear Friends,
We are experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 infections with the highest number of active cases we've seen in Ulster County. It is so important for everyone in our community to do their part to stop the spread.
Please wear a mask in public spaces, wash hands frequently, and limit all gatherings to less than 10 people. As we've said before, the only way to get through this pandemic is with the cooperation of the community.
The Ulster County Recovery Center is open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm at 845-443-8888.
Stay safe and take care.
-Steve
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The Latest Coronavirus Updates
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A new Micro-Cluster Strategy is addressing COVID-19 hot spots that have cropped up across the state.
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Look up an address to see if its a Red, Orange, or Yellow Zone
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See the restrictions that correspond to each color-coded level of cluster zone
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Go to forward.ny.gov to find guidance and maps for the Micro-Cluster Initiative; regional dashboards for monitoring how the virus is being contained; and information on loans for small businesses.
- Bars, restaurants and gyms must close from 10pm to 5am daily.
- Indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to no more than 10 people.
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New travel guidelines are in effect that allow out-of-state travelers to “test out” of the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
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Go to New York's COVID Report Card to find COVID-19 positive case data for every school district in the state.
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New Yorkers without health insurance can apply through NY State of Health through December 31, 2020; must apply within 60 days of losing coverage.
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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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City of Kingston Launches Rental Assistance Program
The City of Kingston and RUPCO have launched the Kingston Rental Assistance Program, which will provide up to three months rental arrears for low and moderate income families. Applicants must be able to document a direct impact by COVID-19 by a reduction or loss of income.
Assistance will be prioritized for families and for households earning 60% area median income (AMI) or less. The Kingston Rental Assistance Program anticipates serving between 20-25 households with a maximum assistance cap of $3,000 for each household. Payments will be made directly to landlords for rental arrears and assistance can’t exceed base rent amount in lease. Anticipating a high demand for rental assistance, RUPCO will complete a lottery to determine who receives assistance.
Application eligibility:
· Must be a current renter residing in the City of Kingston
· Those earning at or below 60% AMI will be prioritized.
· Proof of loss or reduction of income related to COVID-19 is required
· A lease or rental agreement is require
All applicants and landlords will be notified by Thursday, January 14, 2021. Those selected will be required to supply additional landlord documentation by Monday, January 25, 2021 before funding will be issued.
Funding for the Rental Assistance Program comes from the Community Development Block Grant Program’s Coronavirus Response Grants (CDBG-CV), a part of the Federal Government’s CARES Act. Additional funding may be available for a second round of rental assistance, at which time those on the waitlist will be contacted and served in lottery order
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Kingston Police Department Earns Re-accreditation Award
The Kingston Police Department has been re-accredited by the New York State Law Enforcement Agency Accreditation Council and Division of Criminal Justice Services. The accreditation certifies that a law enforcement agency meets or exceeds all the identified standards established by the council in the areas of administration, training, and operations.
The City of Kingston Police Department’s policies and practices were re-assessed for the five year period from 2016 to 2020, and the re-accreditation was awarded at a virtual ceremony of the NYS Accreditation Council on December 3, 2020. The Kingston Police Department has been continuously accredited since 1990, making it one of the longest accredited agency in New York State.
Participation in the accreditation program is a voluntary process where police agencies prove their compliance with New York State law enforcement’s current best practices or standards. These standards cover all aspects of law enforcement including use of force, protection of citizen rights, pursuits, property and evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations. Accreditation ensures that the agency has carefully thought about these critical issues, developed policy and procedures to address them, and has systems in place to identify and correct problems.
“I commend the Kingston Police Department, Chief Tinti, and the KPD Accreditation Program Manager Lt. Mike Bonse for this honor,” said Mayor Noble. “The re-accreditation demonstrates the police force’s ongoing commitment to excellence and professionalism, and the officers’ drive to best serve the Kingston community.”
“By having an independent review of our policies and procedures, we are assuring the community that the members of the Kingston Police Department adhere to the best practices set forth by New York State,” said Chief Egidio Tinti. “We remain committed to maintaining a professional department that is community focused.”
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City of Kingston Hosts Series of Business Owner Events
Mayor Noble and Alderman Don Tallerman are hosting a series of virtual meetings for business owners in the City of Kingston. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss ways the City of Kingston can support local businesses, and to create a network of support amongst the business owners during a difficult time.
The first of these meetings for Uptown businesses was held on Monday. Uptown business owners who may have missed the meeting can still attend one of the other meetings.
Attendees must be local business owners and must register in advance.
Monday, December 7 – Midtown
5:00pm
Monday, December 14 – Downtown/Rondout
5:00pm
“As a business owner in Kingston, I am well aware of how hard it is to make a living in normal times, and now with COVID, our challenges are that much greater,” said Alderman Tallerman. “To get through these tough times, we need to work together to solve problems and identify new opportunities where the City might be able to help our businesses survive and come out stronger.”
“This year has been especially difficult for businesses, and we want our business community to know the City is here for them,” said Mayor Noble. “I look forward to connecting with business owners at these three meetings, where we’ll discuss ideas on how the City might continue to help and support our local businesses, which are the lifeblood of the Kingston community.”
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Made in Kingston at Farmer's Market on Saturday, December 5
Now in its eighth year, Made In Kingston for 2020 has been reimagined as an online Makers Market, highlighting the wonderful array of goods handcrafted, fabricated or manufactured in the City of Kingston. Makers' photos and contact info are beautifully displayed on the Made in Kingston website. Individual artists and businesses will handle all sales, shipping, and customer service, while Made in Kingston will promote shopping locally to support our creative economy during the holidays and year-round.
The Kingston Farmers Market will host a Made in Kingston Pop-Up Artists & Makers Market on two Saturdays—December 5 and 19 from 10am to 2pm—in the Ulster County Courthouse parking lot.
Artists and makers who live, work and/or create within the City of Kingston are encouraged to apply for either the online and/or pop-up markets. All info and applications are available now at MadeInKingstonNY.com.
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Arborist Needed for the Tree Commission
The City of Kingston Tree Commission, which meets monthly, is looking for a certified Arborist to join as a commissioner. More information about the Tree Commission and what they do can be found at the City of Kingston website here.
All interested arborists are encouraged to complete an online application at:
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Mayor Noble's Tuesday/Thursday Updates
Mayor Noble has been giving regular live updates since mid-March. 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 the latest radio address from Thursday, December 3.
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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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