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November 1, 2019 - In This Issue:
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
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Dear Friends,
As Mayor of the City of Kingston, it is with great sadness that I share news of a second homicide in our community. My thoughts are with the family of the victims during this difficult time. We are aware that both attacks were targeted and at this time we do not believe there is a threat to the general public. Still, I am aware that such horrific acts have resulted in a sense of unease in our community. I want you all to know that we will be doing
everything we can to make sure that the individuals responsible are apprehended as soon as possible.
I want to assure the people of Kingston that the Kingston Police Department is working day and night to solve both of these recent crimes. We have strong leadership in Chief Tinti, able investigators, and a dedicated police force who devote their lives to keeping our community safe.
Further updates will be made by the Kingston Police Department when they are available.
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City Seeks Consultant for Zoning Restructure
The City of Kingston has issued a request for proposals (RFP) from qualified consultants to replace the City's land use and planning regulations. This project will result in a complete replacement and modernization of the City's zoning code to provide clarity, improve overall functionality, and achieve greater sensitivity to the character of Kingston by implementing a form-based code city-wide.
Our current zoning code is very convoluted, with more than 20 different zoning district categories. The City's regulations haven't been updated since the 1960s and it's time that we move our City, along with its zoning, into the future. I believe that updating our zoning regulations to a form-based code will promote economic development, smart growth, and will lead to the building of much-needed housing.
There will be ample opportunity for public input, including design workshops and public meetings to engage the community, gather ideas and goals, and formulate implementation strategies.
To view the RFP for reference, click here (not to be used for formal bidders).
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City of Kingston Launches Vacancy Survey
I wanted to give you a status update on my efforts to bring rent stabilization to our community. The City has
launched a vacancy survey to determine if the City of Kingston qualifies for opting into the Emergency Tenant Protection Act. The ETPA enables municipalities with a vacancy rate of less than 5% to enact local rent stabilization laws and regulations. The regulations would apply to rental buildings
that were built before 1974
with 6 or more units
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Last week, letters were sent to o
wners and property managers of buildings that apply. If you are one of those owners, you
can fill out this online survey.
I look forward to compiling this crucial information, presenting the results to the Common Council, and moving forward in implementing the ETPA.
You can view the letter and the survey packet
here.
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City Hall Closed on Election Day
A reminder that City Hall will be closed on Tuesday, November 5 for Election Day. The City's Department of Public Works will be open and trash and recycling will be picked up on a normal schedule.
UCAT will be operating the bus within Kingston on Election Day.
City Hall offices will re-open at 8:30am on Wednesday, November 6.
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In Case You Missed It: Weaving the Waterfront Info & Survey
For those who weren't able to attend the fantastic Weaving the Waterfront event last weekend, you can still participate! Twenty-nine poster-boards that show the preliminary designs which were presented at Weaving the Waterfront are now available on the City's
website
. Please check out them out online and give your feedback via the
online survey
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Next week, the physical presentation poster-boards will be available at the Kingston Library for viewing along with paper copies of the survey. The survey will be open until November 30.
We want the community to be
involved in creating a vision and design, especially with
four major projects that will improve and protect the Kingston Waterfront:
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Call for Boards and Commissions
We encourage all individuals who are interested in serving on a Board, Commission and/or Committee, to please complete an application
online.
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.
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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!
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