October 4, 2019 - In This Issue:
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:

Dear Friends,

We announced two huge projects this week that will vastly improve roadways: the Hurley Avenue Revitalization Project and the Broadway Streetscape Project. 

Hurley Ave  is a great example of how my administration has been working diligently to secure grant funding that will improve our vital infrastructure. The  Broadway  project has been in the works for many years, and I am thrilled to see it moving forward. Broadway will be completely transformed starting from one of the gateways to Kingston into the heart of Midtown. 

The Office of Community Development has opened applications for CDBG funding. Community Development Block Grants are such a valuable asset to our City, as it funds housing rehab projects for seniors and other income-eligible residents, improvements to vital public facilities like our parks and neighborhood centers, and helps us to support essential non-profits like Family of Woodstock, People's Place and the Boys & Girls Clubs, just to name a few. 

Finally, I encourage anyone who is interested in how the City will allocate its budget for 2020 to attend my upcoming Budget Address on October 17. 

-Steve
Hurley Avenue Revitalization Project Has Begun
 
The Hurley Avenue Revitalization Project, which will include paving Hurley Ave from Washington Ave to the Ulster County line, has begun. The project will install 16-ADA accessible curb ramps, bike lanes from Washington Avenue to the Thruway overpass, and a widened shoulder from the Thruway overpass to the City line to improve safety for bicyclists.
 
The project timeline is as follows:
 
Starting October 1      Crews mobilize to site
Week of October 7     Curbs and sidewalks to be excavated
Week of October 14   Curbs and sidewalks to be poured 
October 15                 Milling on the street to begin 
Week of October 21   Work will continue on curbs, sidewalk and drains 
Week of October 28   Paving, weather permitting
November 1-14           Pavement markings, signage to be installed, and clean-up
 
More info and final design plans can be found at: https://kingston-ny.gov/hurleyave

 CDBG Applications Are Now Open
 
The 2020 Community Block Grant (CDBG) applications are now available. Groups and organizations operating in Kingston may request CDBG funding for eligible projects and programs. Examples of eligible activities and a list of criteria are included in the application packet. Applications are due Monday, December 9 at 3:00pm at the Economic & Community Development Office at City Hall.
 
Public informational meetings for interested applicants to discuss eligible projects and programs, process, and application requirements will be held in the coming weeks. New and previous applicants and sub-recipients are encouraged to attend at least one of the following informational meetings:
 
October 9           6:30pm            Hudson River Maritime Museum, 2nd floor
October 17         6:30pm            Rondout Neighborhood Center
October 21         12:00pm          City Hall, Conference Room 1
October 21         6:30pm            City Hall, Conference Room 1
October 29         6:30pm            City Hall, Conference Room 1
November 6       5:30pm            Everette Hodge Community Center
November 14     5:30pm            Kingston Library
November 18     5:30pm            City Hall, Conference Room 1
 
CDBG Program funds are intended to assist in providing a suitable living environment, decent housing, and expanding economic opportunities for low to moderate income persons in our community.
   
Applications are available  on the City's website, and at the Economic and Community Development Office, Ground Floor, City Hall, 420 Broadway, Kingston.

City Advances Broadway Streetscape Project
 
 
Broadway will be renovated from East St. James St to Grand St and will include:
  • new ADA accessible sidewalks
  • paving of the entire roadway
  • new street lane configuration for parking, bikes, and vehicles that improve safety for all users
  • synchronized traffic lights that will move vehicular traffic more quickly at a consistent, safe speed
  • new traffic and wayfinding signs
  • 49 bioswales that divert stormwater from flowing into the Rondout Creek, reduce the stormwater volume that goes to the city's water treatment plant and improve water quality, and add greenery
  • 2 interpretive panels that explain the bioswales
  • 22 benches
  • 76 new healthy street trees that are appropriate for the environment and will not heave the sidewalk
  • 235 deciduous shrubs, 1470 herbaceous plants
  • 23 trash and 23 recycling cans
  • 28 bike racks
  • removal of antiquated parking meters and the addition of modern parking kiosks
  • integration with the design of the I-587 roundabout and seamless connections for pedestrians and bicyclists from one project to the other
  • making a connection on the Kingston Greenline and Empire State Trail
More information, along with planning and construction documents, can be found at www.kingston-ny.gov/broadwaystreetscapeproject

City Hall Art Exhibition Opening Reception Tomorrow
 
Please join us to celebrate the next City Hall gallery art exhibition titled Sanctuary. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, October 5 from 3:00-5:00pm. 

Sanctuary is a group exhibition curated by the City of Kingston's  Distinguished Artist,  Julie Hedrick along with Janet Hicks & Laurie DeChiara. Local artists were invited to submit work that explores the theme of sanctuaries. Each artist was asked to respond to the prompt; what does 'sanctuary' mean to you? 

Sanctuary will be on display until December 20 during regular City Hall hours. 

Save the Date: 2020 Budget Address on October 17
 
I hope you will join me when I present the 2020 City of Kingston Proposed Budget on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 6:00pm in Council Chambers at City Hall.
 
After the meeting, the 2020 Recommended Budget and my Budget Address speech will be posted at the City's website in the Service News section. 

The City of Kingston's Common Council will then review my Recommended Budget. A public feedback session will be held, and the C ommon Council Finance Committee will schedule a series of meetings to closely examine all aspects of the budget.  Meeting dates will be announced as they are scheduled.   
The Dog Park Has a Water Fountain! 
 
There is now a water fountain at the Kingston Point Dog Park! The Parks & Recreation department installed the new water fountain last week, where water bottles and dog bowls can be filled. It's already making many a happy pup. 

People's Place Community Cafe Grand Opening 
 
Congratulations to People's Place for opening the new Community Cafe  at 779 Broadway!  This is such an enormous asset to our community. The People's Place Community Cafe will provide free breakfast and lunch to anyone in the community on weekdays from 8:30am to 1:00pm. Thank you to Christine Hein and her team for bringing the Cafe to the community! 

Repair Cafe tomorrow 
 

The Repair Cafe tomorrow at the Redeemer Lutheran Church is a great way to reuse and get more life out of your belongings. It's a free event sponsored by many local organizations who support repairing rather than re-purchasing. 


The Forsyth Nature Center's Fall Festival on October 13   



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
[email protected]

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