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April 30, 2018 - In This Issue:
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
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Dear Friends,
This week's newsletter includes information about the launch of our Lead Service Line Replacement Program in Midtown. This is an important program that will allow us to replace the lead service lines in approximately 85 properties over the next two years.
We are fortunate to have access to an excellent and safe water source, but in homes built before 1940, it is likely that the property has a lead service line and that corrosion of those pipes could allow lead to leach into the water in that home. Unfortunately, with an average cost of over $5,000 per project, the replacement of these lead service lines is cost prohibitive for many of our residents. I encourage property owners in the target area to apply for this assistance before the May 22nd deadline.
This week's issue also includes a statement I released late last week regarding a proposal currently under consideration by the Ulster County Resource and Recovery Agency to discontinue the collection of Single Stream Recycling. If adopted in its current form, the proposal will have significant and long-lasting effects on all Kingston residents.
I will be working closely with our Aldermen and partners in the Ulster County Legislature to ensure that our voice is heard during this process.
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City of Kingston Launches
Lead Service Line Replacement Program in Midtown
Applications now available!
Mayor Steve Noble is pleased to announce the launch of the City of Kingston's Lead Service Line Replacement Program. The City was awarded a grant of up to $544,000 from the NYS Department of Health to identify and replace lead water service lines from the City's main to homeowners' water meters. While the City of Kingston drinking water does not contain lead, the corrosion of lead pipes can cause lead to leach into water flowing through the pipes in a home and potentially into drinking water. If a service line was last installed prior to 1940, it is likely that service line was made with lead. It is anticipated that the City will replace lead service lines in approximately 85 properties in 2018 and 2019.
Eligibility
The initial priority area will be properties in Midtown Kingston where there is a high density of lead service lines and a high density of children. Properties located on any part of Franklin St. and properties from Franklin St. to Cedar St. between Broadway and Clinton Avenue may apply. Households with a child under the age of six (6) that has tested positive for elevated blood lead levels may apply, even if their property is outside of the target area. Properties may be single family owner-occupied properties or rental properties.
Program Costs
The Lead Service Line Replacement Program will be free to most owner-occupied properties. Non-owner occupied rental properties are eligible for assistance, but owners will be required to contribute $750.00 towards the cost of the project.
Project Timeline
Applications will be available beginning April 23, 2018 and will be accepted until May 22, 2018. Once an application has been submitted, the City can verify if the property has an eligible lead service line. Most replacement projects will be completed within one to two days. Water service will need to be turned off during the replacement project. Advanced notice will be provided prior to this service disruption. It is expected that the first round of lead service replacement projects will begin in mid-July 2018 and will continue throughout the remainder of the year and in 2019.
Applications may be found at
www.kingston-ny.gov
. For additional assistance, please contact Stephan Knox in the City of Kingston's Office of Economic and Community Development at 845-334-3932 or at
[email protected].
DOCUMENTS:
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Mayor Noble Releases Statement Regarding Proposal by
Ulster County Resource and Recovery Agency
Original Release: April 26, 2018
"On behalf of the residents of the City of Kingston, I am deeply concerned about the proposal under consideration by the Ulster County Resource and Recovery Agency (UCRRA) to discontinue the acceptance of Single Stream Recycling on December 31st.
"UCRRA's mission is quite clear. It was designed to "...protect public health and the environment and to promote sustainable materials management practices in Ulster County by efficiently managing solid waste materials with a focus on resource conservation.' The proposal currently before the agency is in direct conflict with this mission and in fact fails to 'promote sustainable management practices.' Further, the agency's vision, which in part states that, '...Resource recovery is achieved through a variety of methods including community outreach and education, waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting. The Agency continuously explores the viability of new and/or different practices and emerging technologies for reducing waste and managing discarded materials...' will be undermined through the adoption of this proposal. The introduction of single-stream recycling was the epitome of implementing an emerging technology to reduce waste. The City of Kingston is a leader in sustainability and has invested heavily in the movement towards single stream recycling, with the purchase of specialized trucks to facilitate the collection of recycled materials, the purchase of recycling totes that have been distributed throughout the city, and the investment of staff time dedicated to recycling education and outreach. In all of these areas, we have done our job. Since 2011, the City has seen a 14.7% decrease in refuse and a 30.7% increase in recycling. If and when the recycling collected did not meet the standards set forth by UCRRA, the City absorbed the costs of that contaminated load and dedicated staff resources towards community education and compliance, checking recycling bins and fining property owners, when necessary.
"Prior to the establishment of 'flow control' in 2013, the City of Kingston held an independent contract with UCRRA. In an amendment to that contract, executed in June 2011, it reads, "...WHEREAS, the Agency supports the City's efforts to increase recycling through single stream recycling and agrees to amend the Agreement..." The City no longer has an independent contract with the Agency, but I expect that our partners in the Ulster County Legislature will agree that the intent has been to support the continuation and expansion of single stream recycling.
"The impact of the Agency's decision will be detrimental to our community. The City includes two Environmental Justice Areas who are disproportionately exposed to or at-risk of exposure to negative environmental conditions. The Agency must reflect on its mission and commitment to our community and instead of scaling back its services, it should be supporting single stream recycling, developing new methods to protect public health and advancing sustainable practices.
"In addition to the proposal eliminating the acceptance of single stream recycling collection, UCRRA has announced a proposal to double our collection fees mid-year. This sudden change does not allow the City enough time to review the financial impact of this revised fee and is not accounted for in the City's adopted 2018 budget.
"I will be attending the Ulster County Legislature's Energy and Environment Committee meeting on May 3rd at the Ulster County Resource and Recovery Agency. In addition, I will be attending the public hearing scheduled by UCRRA for May 23rd. However, based on the significance of this proposal and the high likelihood that if passed, Kingston would be disproportionally impacted, I respectfully request the following:
- The Ulster County Resource and Recovery Agency postpone its vote on the proposal for a minimum of 60 days to allow the Agency time to review the consequences of ending the acceptance of single stream recycling on December 31st.
- The Agency hold a second public hearing in Kingston to allow the public and all officials additional time to review the proposal and to understand how it would impact our community
- The Ulster County Legislature's Energy and Environment Committee review the proposal and offer comment on this proposal's projected impact on the County's environment
- The Agency research regional collection sites for single stream recycling and provide a report to the public on its findings
- The Agency postpone its vote on the proposed fee increases and not consider a fee increase to go into effect until January 1, 2019 to allow participating municipalities time to budget appropriately or consider alternative options
"The City of Kingston and Ulster County have both worked to become the 'greenest' and most environmental city and county in New York State. UCRRA is a valued partner in this work and I urge its members to remember why the Agency exists and who it serves.
"Finally, I urge community members and elected officials to join me at the public hearing on May 23rd and to share their concerns."
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Kingston Clean Sweep & Riverkeeper Sweep
Saturday, May 5th
Check out these fun opportunities to get involved this Saturday:
The Annual Kingston Clean Sweep will take place on Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will pick up litter lying along the "Kingston Corridor" from the railroad crossing on Washington Avenue through the uptown business district, down Broadway to the Rondout waterfront, as well as on some side streets and in several city parks. The Kingston Clean Sweep is sponsored by the Friends of Historic Kingston with support from the City of Kingston and numerous other business, service and civic organizations, schools, churches and individual volunteers.
Any group or individual who wishes to volunteer can contact Friends of Historic Kingston at (845) 339-0720, or email [email protected]
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Join Kingston Parks and Recreation and Riverkeeper for by a cleanup at Kingston's Kingston Point Beach on Saturday, May 5, 2018 for the 7th Annual Riverkeeper Sweep, a day of service for the Hudson River and its tributaries.
Volunteers will meet at Kingston Point Beach (50 Delaware Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401) where parking will be available. If the beach parking lot is full, additional parking is available across the street. We ask all Sweep volunteers to wear sturdy shoes, boots, clothing that they can get dirty, and to bring a hat, work gloves, a reusable water bottle, and snacks. This site is appropriate for elementary age children with proper adult supervision.
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Department of Public Works Completes
3rd Avenue Drainage Improvements
In 1992, City Engineer Ralph Swenson designed a project to help relieve flooding in the area south of Ulster Street between Rock Street and Third Avenue at Ulster Street. A storm sewer pipe was installed from this area down 3rd Avenue and a catch basin installed just south of 334 3rd Avenue. Unfortunately, the City was unable to secure easements from two different property owners to extend the pipe at that time. The ponding issue between Rock St. and 3rd Avenue persisted and water would flow out of the newly installed catch basin at 334 3rd Avenue and create flooding. The City's Department of Public Works and the Kingston Fire Department each responded to a property on Third Avenue on numerous occasions to pump the standing water. Because an easement was not granted, the situation remained stagnant until 2017.
Negotiations began again with a property owner on Kingston Street and the easement was granted. In 2017, pipe and catch basin were purchased for extending the storm sewer to an outfall on the property at Kingston Street. The material was purchased through the DPW budget and bonding was not required for the project. In February, the project was started using City staff and equipment. Approximately 560' of 15" storm sewer pipe and 4 catch basins were installed. This included installation of a catch basin adjacent to the driveway at the property on 3rd Avenue to alleviate ponding in this low area. These installations were completed March 23rd. Some restoration and paving work remains and will be completed this spring.
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Forsyth Nature Center Website Launches
The new Forsyth Nature Center website has officially launched! Learn about the history of the Forsyth Nature Center, the incredible facilities, the programs and events, and how to get involved!
About the Friends of Forsyth Nature Center
The Friends of Forsyth Nature Center (FFNC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to support the Forsyth Nature Center and to foster and inspire the exploration and conservation of the natural world in and around our urban community.
The FFNC Board of Directors meets regularly throughout the year. This group provides scholarships for the Junior Naturalists Program and participates in the Kingston Earth Fair and Boo at the Zoo. Each summer we host our Annual FFNC Membership Meeting. The Fall Festival, held annually on Columbus weekend, is our primary fundraiser. All proceeds are dedicated to maintaining and improving the Forsyth Nature Center and its programs.
About the Forsyth Nature Center
Forsyth Nature Center is a handicapped accessible outdoor learning center located at 157 Lucas Avenue in uptown Kingston, New York. A facility of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department, the center offers more than two-dozen animal exhibits and beautiful gardens that foster a connection to the natural world for visitors of all ages. The center is open year-round and is free to the public.
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6th Annual Kingston Earth Fair a Success!
Thank you to all who joined us for the 6th Annual Earth Fair at Forsyth Park! This was our biggest Earth Fair event yet, attracting well over 1,000 visitors throughout the day!
Members of the City's Live Well Kingston Commission's Play Well Focus Team working in collaboration with Livingston Street Early Childhood Community to put up a pop-up natural playspace
Event partners included the City of Kingston, the Climate Smart Kingston Commission, and New Yorkers for Clean Power.
From left to right:
Leslie Carr, board member of the Friends of Forsyth Nature Center
; Julie Noble, Environmental Education and Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Kingston; and Amee Peterson, Administrative Assistant in the City of Kingston's Office of Economic and Community Development
Special thank you to our event sponsors, including: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County; Ryan & Ryan Insurance Brokers; Ulster Federal Credit Union; Kingston Plaza; Herzog's; Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union; Ulster Savings Bank; and Kathleen Dittus, Esq. The event was also supported by: Jane's Ice Cream; Keegan Ales; FastSigns; Mother Earth's; Stone Soup; and Catskill Mountainkeeper.
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Historic Preservation in the City of Kingston:
Rethinking the Review Process
Photo of courtesy of: Friends of Historic Kingston Archives
A public educational forum brought to you by KingstonCitizens.org in partnership with the City of Kingston and Friends of Historic Kingston.
Kingston City Hall
420 Broadway, Kingston
Council Chambers
Monday, May 14th
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Guest panelists include Marissa Marvelli, Vice Chair, City of Kingston Historic
Landmarks Preservation Commission; Kevin McEvoy, Secretary, City of Kingston Heritage Area Commission; Erin Tobin, Vice President for Policy and Preservation, Preservation League of New York.
Other panelists TBA.
With the recent legislation presented to Kingston's Common Council Laws and Rules Committee to "streamline" Kingston's Historic Landmarks Preservation and Heritage Area Commissions,
KingstonCitizens.org is pleased to present a public
educational forum with some of the key players in this effort to discuss "Historic Preservation in the City of Kingston: Rethinking the Review Process" on Monday, May 14th from 6pm - 8pm at Kingston City Hall.
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City of Kingston and Kingston Veterans Association to Host Annual Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade on Monday, May 28th
Parade registration now open!
Ceremony
Time: 1:00pm
Location: Veterans' Park in front of City Hall, 420 Broadway
Parade Details
Time: Line up at Noon; step off at 1:45pm
Location: Step off begins at Andrew St.
The City of Kingston and Kingston Veterans Association will host the annual Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade on Monday, May 28th. The ceremony will begin promptly at 1:00pm in Veterans' Park in front of City Hall, located at 420 Broadway. At 1:45pm, the Memorial Day Parade will step off from Andrew St. and proceed along Broadway towards Uptown Kingston.
Businesses and organizations interested in participating in the parade should contact: Parade Chairman Chuck Polacco at (845) 389-1560 or (845) 331-7722 or Kingston Veterans Association Chairman Bill Forte at (845) 339-1486. Parade registration is free.
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Save the Date and Exhibitor Registration Information
Join us for our 13th Annual Midtown Make a Difference Day on Saturday, June 16th, 11:00am-3:00pm, on Franklin Street!
Midtown Make a Difference Day is a free event open to all community members. The event includes food, music, children's activities, fitness workshops, and much more!
Local not for profits and community groups are encouraged to register as exhibitors at the event and to provide information and interactive activities on a variety of topics including health, education, employment, legal, recreation and more. Exhibitor registration, which is free, is now open and can be completed at:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MMADD2018. To download the registration form instead,
click here.
This free event is made possible thanks to the work of partnering agencies and volunteers, as well as community sponsors. If you are interested in volunteering or serving as a sponsor, please contact Megan Weiss-Rowe at [email protected] or at 845-334-3964.
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City of Kingston Parks and Recreation Department
Summer Parks Program Registration Now Open!
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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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