August 27, 2018 - In This Issue:
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
Dear Friends,

Our Participatory Budgeting pilot project is off to a great start. We heard excellent feedback during our first two visioning sessions and have collected great ideas through our online submission form and in-person. If you haven't already, I encourage you to submit your ideas here or come to our last visioning session on Tuesday, August 28th at 5:30 at the Hudson River Maritime Museum. We have an opportunity to develop and implement a few creative projects that would not otherwise be possible, but I need your input in order to make sure that the projects we proceed with are ones that the public supports.  

-Steve
Participatory Budgeting Pilot Project Launched

Our first-ever Participatory Budgeting Pilot Project is in full swing, with community members encouraged to submit project suggestions until Friday, August 31st.

We held two visioning sessions this week, one in Midtown and one in Uptown. The third and final visioning session will be held on Tuesday, August 28th at 5:30pm at the Hudson River Maritime Museum. Community members can also submit proposals by sending them via postal mail to City Hall (420 Broadway) or by completing the form online. 

Here are just a few of the many ideas that have been submitted so far:
  • Install public water fountains that allow users to refill water bottles
  • purchase new trash and recycling bins
  • Commission a housing justice study
  • Establish charging stations for electronics
  • Develop a youth employment program
  • Launch a neighborhood beautification program
  • Purchase work out equipment to be made available in public parks
  • Expand community events and festivals
  • And many more ideas!
All of the projects will be compiled into a report and a response will be provided to explain if and why a project may not be eligible at this time. Later in September, a public poll will determine which projects are selected. 

Visit www.kingston-ny.gov/ParticipatoryBudgeting over the next few weeks for more updates.
Kingston Advances Waterfront Restoration Efforts with 
Rondout Riverport Shoreline Stabilization and Public Access Project Out to Bid
 
Mayor Steve Noble is pleased to announce the Rondout Riverport Shoreline Stabilization and Public Access Project has been advertised for bid, a key component of the administration's efforts to reconnect residents to Kingston's waterfront.

The primary goal of the project is to restore and stabilize the shoreline on the City's waterfront from the eastern end of the Cornell Building property to Rotary Park and other key locations using bulkhead or sustainable shoreline methods. This shoreline stabilization will mitigate flooding, improve resiliency, and support access from both the land and water. The project will include the design of a public promenade along the length of the creek.

For more background on this project, click here.

This project is made possible with funding provided by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.
 Central Hudson Gas Distribution Improvement Project
 
Central Hudson will be conducting a Gas Distribution Improvement Project in the Washington Avenue area of Kingston. In addition to gas main replacements, the project will include the replacement of 150 service lines to residences in the area. This project will begin this week and road work is expected to be conducted in phases in the area through November.  Here is a map that shows the various phases of the project and the areas that will be impacted.

For some portions of the project, traffic will be allowed in both directions with flaggers. In other phases of the project in which the road must be closed for work during the day, detours will be in place. Please note that work will be conducted from approximately 7:00am until 7:00pm each day. When road closures are necessary, they will be lifted each day by 7:00pm. No commercial traffic will be allowed in the work areas.

The first phase of the project is scheduled to begin this week  along the Boulevard. Traffic will remain open in both directions with flaggers in place. 

Updates for this project related to traffic pattern changes and detours will be posted at  www.kingston-ny.gov  under Service News.
New Business Opens in Uptown Kingston

Photo courtesy of Ulster County Chamber of Commerce

Mayor Noble, along with County Executive Mike Hein, Ulster County Legislator Dave Donaldson, Second Ward Alderman Doug Koop, business owners and community members celebrate the opening of the new Crown Cocktail Bar in Uptown Kingston.
Application to Serve on Boards, Commissions and Committees Now Available Online

Do you want to become All individuals interested in serving on a Board, Commission and/or Committee must complete an application and submit it to the Mayor's office for review. This information will be used in determining which individuals are best suited to serve on each Board, Commission and Committee, based on their qualifications, backgrounds, skills and interests. The purpose of this application process is to enable the City to recruit individuals who have a strong desire and ability to serve and to ensure that each Board, Commission and Committee reflects the rich diversity of our community. We are striving to build an inclusive process that seeks to attract applicants who embody the values and principles of our community and who are committed to serving in this important role with integrity, respect, compassion, and professionalism.
 
In addition to new applicants, individuals who currently serve on Boards/Commissions/Committees are required to complete applications when their terms expire.
 
 
Or download the application here and return it to the Mayor's Office at City Hall, located at 420 Broadway.
 
If you have any additional questions, please contact Mayor Noble's Confidential Secretary, Lynsey Timbrouck, at (845) 334-3902 or ltimbrouck@kingston-ny.gov.
Kingston Happenings
The City of Kingston often receives requests to share upcoming events happening in our community. Our partners at 
KingstonHappenings.org  do an excellent job of centralizing this community information. So while our website is the best resource to gain information about City of Kingston sponsored events and important municipal information, Kingston Happenings can give you a greater preview of community events. Check them out today!
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: