City of Kingston Housing Study Released |
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Kingston Point ADA Upgrades Complete |
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Parks & Recreation November Programming |
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New Job Opportunities at City of Kingston |
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Mayor Noble's Tuesday & Thursday Live Updates |
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
Dear Friends,
This afternoon we announced that the Kingston Police Department will begin walking assignments, starting on Monday. All officers will be required to walk for at least 40 minutes during each shift. The officers have been given recommended zones, which includes walkable areas in Uptown, Midtown and Downtown. This effort coincides with the conclusion of the increased law enforcement partnership and the re-opening of local schools.
The intention of the walking assignments is to provide additional visibility to our residents, creating a deeper connection to the community, and the added benefit of improving the officers’ wellness and health. We think it’s important for our officers to know the community and for the community to know the officers. We hope this initiative will work toward our ongoing efforts in building trust.
-Steve
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City Releases Housing Study
The City of Kingston has released a comprehensive study of vacant and abandoned properties. The report was paid for entirely by private grant funds provided by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and is the result of an extensive six-month study by the City of Kingston’s Department of Housing Initiatives.
The report details historic and existing conditions and recommends several new initiatives, including:
- The creation of an interdepartmental Vacant Property Task force to collaborate with elected officials, local businesses, and community leaders to identify and propose comprehensive, actionable solutions to blighted properties throughout the City.
- Streamline the commencement of the foreclosure process from 4 years to 2 years, in order to allow property owners with difficulty paying real estate taxes to enter into a payment plan with the City sooner, so that foreclosures can more likely be prevented.
- The presentation to the Common Council several State Laws which, if enacted on a local level, would incentivize the re-use of vacant properties for homeownership.
- Moving forward with the City’s efforts to engage a consultant to undertake a community-driven update to the City’s zoning code, allowing for the creation of additional tax revenue and affordable housing throughout the City.
The report also details the need for new housing across the spectrum of all income levels in the City. Among the findings, nearly half (45%) of all households in Kingston are either cost-burdened or severely cost-burdened, a trend that is increasing, according to the report.
The report was prepared by Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, a non-profit policy, planning, advocacy and research organization. The organization’s mission is to promote regional, balanced and sustainable solutions that enhance the growth and vitality of the Hudson Valley.
The housing study can be found here.
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Kingston Point ADA Upgrades
The Kingston Point Beach ADA Accessibility Improvements Project was recently completed and includes:
· Restriping the parking lot to accommodate handicapped access spaces
· Installation of a new seasonal beach access mat
· Purchase of a new beach wheelchair
· Expansion of the beach changing station for accommodation
· Installation of a new bathroom access route
· Installation of a new grill patio at the pavilion
The project was made possible with technical support from the Northeast ADA Center, the Resource Center for Accessible Living and with funding from the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program.
Kingston Point Beach is open sunrise to sunset. The weather this weekend will be nice enough to visit and enjoy these new amenities!
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Parks and Recreation November Programming
“Fowl” Shot Contest on Monday November 16 and Tuesday November 17 at the Andy Murphy Midtown Center. Participants will be broken into four groups: elementary, middle school, high school and adult. The winner of each group will receive a frozen turkey. Each participant will shoot ten shots from the free throw line, dribble the ball the length of the court as quickly as they can and shoot 1 minute of bank shots.
Temperature will be taken at the door and masks must be worn at all times.
Participants must preregister in advance. Registration is $5.00. Registration closes November 12. Register at www.kingstonparksandrec.org
Thanksgiving Break Box: With schools out for Thanksgiving break, Parks and Rec would like to provide 25 kids ages 6-12 a box filled with crafts, games and activities! Cost $15/ box. Boxes must be ordered by Nov. 13. Boxes will be available for pickup at the Rondout Neighborhood Center Nov. 19 and 20 from 10am-5pm.
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Job Opportunities: Bi-lingual Clerk and Assessment Data Collector
The City of Kingston is looking for a part-time Clerk who is fluent in Spanish to work in the City Clerk’s Office Monday through Friday (3.5 hours each day). Typical work activities are primarily of routine nature and involves the performance of standardized clerical tasks and may serve as a translator when needed. The qualified candidate will have working knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment; working knowledge of business arithmetic and the ability to follow oral and written instructions in both English and Spanish. Good customer service highly preferred.
The City of Kingston is also looking for a part-time Assessment Data Collector to work in the City Assessor’s Office Monday through Friday (3.5 hours each day). Typical work activities involve the collection and recording of data which forms the basis for the determination of assessments of real property. Qualified candidates will have working knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing the evaluation of property for assessment purposes; working knowledge of office terminology, procedures and equipment; working knowledge of business, arithmetic and English; ability to inspect and collect information on real property; ability to read deeds and maps for locating property; ability to accurately measure buildings and calculate square footage; ability to accurately make arithmetic computations involving fractions, decimals, algebra and geometry; ability to operate a camera; ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.
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Mayor Noble's Tuesday & Thursday Live Updates
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.
Click below to watch Thursday's update:
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Roadwork Update
As we head into cooler weather, major construction around the City will soon be coming to an end.
At the I-587 Roundabout Project, the water main installation on Albany Avenue has begun and will continue through next week. The excavation and grading for sidewalk along the Broadway slip ramp is in progress with the new sidewalk installation scheduled for next week. In addition, sewer installation with excavation and grading on Albany Avenue will commence next week. Expect minor delays.
Broadway Streetscape: this week, contractors completed the last piece of concrete sidewalk between Dederick and Thomas, and began to place concrete on the driveway at Mobil to Henry Street. Next week, crews will continue to place underdrain and bioswales between Cornell and Field Court, along with curbing, sidewalks and pavers, weather permitting.
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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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