December 7, 2018 - In This Issue:
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
Dear Friends:
 
We've had an exciting week with some tremendous forward progress on the City's goals for the future. My proposed 2019 budget was unanimously approved by the Common Council and includes so many upcoming projects I'm proud of, including improvements to infrastructure, housing, public safety, quality of life and sustainability. I hope you'll read more about it below. 

There is still time to share your opinion for the 2018 Participatory Budgeting Project spending. I urge you to take the survey if you haven't already. The deadline is approaching and I want to hear from you!
 
I also wanted to update you on some current projects. I know there are many questions about recent roadwork and street closings, and we will do our best to keep you informed.
 
Wishing a happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate! As we head into the holiday season with so many cherished events around Kingston to enjoy, I hope we will also remember our friends and neighbors who are less fortunate and most vulnerable this time of year. Supporting each other builds a stronger community!
 
-Steve
Mayor Noble's 2019 Budget was unanimously approved by Kingston's Common Council


 
My 2019 Recommended Budget was unanimously approved by the Common Council this week with very few modifications. The budget reflects an ambitious agenda for 2019, focusing on key areas including infrastructure, housing, public safety, quality of life and sustainability. The 2019 Budget tax levy remains frozen at the 2016 level and lowers both residential and commercial tax rates for property owners.
 
Infrastructure improvements continue to be a primary focus this coming year. The 2019 budget allocates nearly $1 million for paving Kingston streets in 2019. Over half a million dollars has been included in the Department of Public Works Capital Plan. The Kingston City Land Bank will be fully funded in 2019, with a two-year combined investment of over $3 million into quality housing that is affordable.
 
In addition to annual recurring public safety services , supplemental "turn-out" gear will be purchased for every firefighter in the Kingston Fire Department to support the health and safety of our incredible first responders. The Kingston Police Department will participate in the newly established Peaceful Guardians program in collaboration with the Center for Creative Education, gaining important skills and building connections with youth in our community.
 
Kingston continues to be a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainability, and in 2019, we will focus on open-space planning, waterfront resiliency, LED streetlight replacement, and reducing emissions by investing in electric vehicles and charging stations.
 
These are just a few of the forward-moving initiatives for the City for 2019. To read more, visit www.kingston-ny.gov , the final 2019 Adopted Budget will be posted under Latest News soon.
Deadline for 2018 Participatory Budget Survey 


We are still looking for your valuable feedback for the Participatory Budgeting Project. If you haven't already, please take a few moments to fill out the survey . This year, for the first time, $15,000 was set aside for each business district (Uptown, Midtown and Downtown), for a total investment of $45,000 on improvements or projects, to be decided by the public. We want to know how community members in the three districts would like the public budget used. These funds were allocated based on revenue received from off-street parking fees and will feed right back into these districts. Survey responses will be accepted until December 14th.
  
I have also included funding for a second round of Participatory Budgeting for next year in the 2019 Adopted Budget.
Roadwork Update

There have been many questions about the roadwork around town. I will talk more next week about the great improvements that the City is making for our streets. Currently much of the work you see in progress is being done by Central Hudson and their contractors.
 
The future I-587 roundabout site is currently under construction by Central Hudson with their contracted partner, J. Mullen & Sons, Inc., to move and improve their gas lines.  The replacement of about 1,700 feet of gas lines is necessary in advance of the State's construction on the roundabout, and is estimated to take one month to complete.
 
The gas line replacement projects on Washington Avenue and Albany Avenue are also being done by Central Hudson. More information about the projects can be found at www.centralhudson.com/gas-projects and questions and calls can be directed to (845) 452-2000.

You can also tune into "Mondays with the Mayor" on Radio Kingston at 3:30p.m. (1490 AM or RadioKingston.org ). This Monday my guest will be Public Works Superintendent Edward Norman and we'll discuss the City's great work, how the Department is preparing for winter, and more helpful information.  
Ulster County Warming Center


As temperatures continue to fall below freezing, the Warming Center will be open at the AME Zion Church, 26 Franklin Street in Midtown Kingston. The Warming Center will be open 24 hours a day through Wednesday (12/12/18) at 9:00 a.m. We are so fortunate to have this safe space in our community - the Warming Center provides shelter, meals, and referrals to support services. Updates about openings and hours can be found here.
 
Any homeless adult is encouraged to go to the Warming Center and if you know someone who is in a desperate situation, please contact the Family of Woodstock's 24 hour-a-day hotline at 845-338-2370.
Made in Kingston 
Kicking off the 2019 Made in Kingston event


I was pleased to kick off Made in Kingston yesterday and to browse the wonderful vendors, who all make their art and wares right here in Kingston. This year was an even bigger success than years past, at an excellent venue, The Metro, and with delicious food and drink from local bars and restaurants. As always, Made in Kingston is the perfect way to support local artists and businesses and get all your holiday shopping done. It's also a great reminder to shop local year-round. Thanks to Karen Berelowitz and Pat Courtney Strong for their incredible work putting this fantastic event together. I already look forward to next year!

Alderman Steven Schabot, W-8, displays his artwork at Made in Kingston

Don't miss the Snowflake Festival tonight
 

I hope to see you this evening at the Snowflake Festival in Uptown Kingston. Strolling Victorian carolers will be ringing in the festivities and spreading cheer, and Santa will arrive on an historic fire truck to light the holiday tree on Wall & N. Front Street. Uptown's streets will be filled with festive entertainers like magicians, fire torch jugglers, clowns, ice sculptors and there will be horse-drawn carriage rides. Businesses in Uptown will be offering treats and warm beverages to visitors, so be sure to explore it all. The Snowflake Festival is a tradition in my family, and is not to be missed!
 
A map and schedule of events can be found here: http://kingstonuptown.org/2018-snowflake-festival-schedule-of-events/

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: