The Latest Coronavirus Updates |
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Henry Street Safe-Route-to-School Project Meeting |
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Free Holiday Parking in the City of Kingston |
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A Statement from Mayor Noble Regarding the 2021 Budget |
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Downtown Business Owner Meeting on Monday |
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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.
- Keep your circle of contacts small. Lower your risk of exposure to COVID-19, even during the holidays.
- When you are around others, stay 6 feet apart and wear your mask.
- If you’re sick, stay home! Don’t go to work or school. Get tested and isolate until you know your results.
- If you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, stay home and away from others for 14 days.
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Download the COVID-19 Alert NY app and get private COVID-19 exposure alerts.
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
- 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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Henry Street Safe Routes to School Project Meeting
A virtual public meeting will be held for the Henry Street Safe Routes to School Project on December 16, 2020 at 12:00pm. City staff and the engineering consultant GPI will share information about design alternatives.
The Henry Street Safe Routes to School Project aims to provide safe accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists along Henry Street. The preliminary plan for the project proposed a multi-use pathway on one side of the street, however, due to constraints on the street discovered as the engineers advanced the plan, a new plan with 6-foot sidewalks will be presented. The new design plan recommends 11-foot travel lanes, 7-foot parking lanes, 6-foot sidewalks, and grass strips with street trees between the sidewalk and curb. The 6-foot sidewalks will provide accommodations for pedestrians and younger bicyclists. More experienced bicyclists will use the vehicle travel lanes. The project will also include accessible ramps at intersections, crosswalk markings, signs, and striping. A bicycle shelter will be installed at the George Washington Elementary School for public use.
It is expected that design will be completed in the spring and the project will be bid next year with construction potentially beginning in the fall of 2021.
At the public meeting, participants will be able to ask questions via the chat feature, which will be moderated by Kristen Wilson, the Director of Grants Management. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be offered during the meeting. A recording of the meeting in English and Spanish will be available on the City’s YouTube channel following the meeting. Following the meeting the public can provide comments at Engage Kingston until January 11, 2021.
The Henry Street Safe Routes to School Project is funded by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program and local funds.
Passcode: Jxcfiy6G
Or dial in by phone at 646-558-8656
Webinar ID: 844 6307 0460
Passcode: 34046316
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Free Holiday Parking in the City of Kingston
The from Wednesday, December 16 through Thursday, December 31, the City of Kingston will offer free holiday parking. Parking lot kiosks and meters across the City will be bagged.
“In the spirit of the holiday season and acknowledging the difficult year we’ve had, there will be free parking in the City of Kingston for two weeks,” said Mayor Noble. “I hope this helps brighten your holidays, and I encourage everyone who is able to visit your favorite local shops and restaurants - safely and following all appropriate Covid protocols-- during a crucial time for businesses.”
During this time, City parking staff will focus on meter repair and routine maintenance, but will be issuing safety violations such as blocking fire hydrants, parking in handicap spots, double parking, and expired inspections. Vehicle owners must observe all traffic and parking rules and park in legal spots. Regular enforcement of parking meter expiration will resume on January 4, 2021.
Parking permits for 2021 for the City’s municipal lots are also available for sale. The permit is $100 and permits are valid from January 1, 2021–December 31, 2021. To purchase or renew permits for the upcoming year, visit http://www.buymypermit.com/kingston.
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Mayor Noble's Statement Regarding the 2021 Budget
I am proud to sign the City of Kingston’s 2021 Budget, following its adoption by the Common Council last week. I want to thank our Comptroller, John Tuey, and all of the City staff who assisted in preparing a sound budget during an unprecedented year, in the face of potential State and local aid cuts. I am proud that this budget reduces overall spending by $1,343,648 and holds the line on taxes for the 6th year in a row, while still responding to the community’s growing needs.
I want to thank the Common Council, who unanimously adopted the overall 2021 budget with minimal changes after an extensive review. I also want to thank Finance Committee Chair Doug Koop for his leadership and his commitment to ensuring that our City's financial picture remains bright.
While I am in agreement with the majority of the modifications made by the Council, I do not support Resolutions 198 and 199. The removal of the Project Manager position within the Grants Management Department is a step in the wrong direction. Since establishing the Department in 2016, my team has worked to develop a robust portfolio of grants dedicated to improving the City’s aging infrastructure, developing a more efficient and equitable transportation system, enhancing our parks network, and expanding our youth and family programming, among many other notable efforts. Altogether, we have brought in a record $39.8 million in grant funding in less than five years to support 66 current and upcoming projects. I want to thank our Director of Grants Management, Kristen Wilson, who provided a clear overview as to why this position is necessary to avoid project delays and cap project costs. It was a mistake to remove this proposed position and I cannot support that decision.
Further, I do not support Resolution 199, a proposal to set aside funding in Contingency for a potential attorney for the Common Council. Our current City Charter clearly states that the Common Council is advised by the City's Corporation Counsel. Until the City Charter is changed, taxpayer funds should not be allocated when they cannot be spent. While I have elected not to exercise my veto authority, I cannot endorse Resolutions 198 and 199. I return them to the City Clerk, unsigned.
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Downtown Business Owner Meeting to Be Held Monday
Mayor Noble and Alderman Don Tallerman have been 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.
There will be one more meeting, for business owners in the Downtown/Rondout area:
Monday, December 14
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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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 10.
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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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