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February 1, 2019 - In This Issue:
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
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Dear Friends -
It's been a snowy, freezing-cold week. I hope everyone is staying warm and safe through these sub-zero temperatures.
I participated in the Point in Time Homeless Count this week on a very snowy evening. Canvassing teams went out on Tuesday and Wednesday nights throughout Ulster County to identify any individuals or families who were unsheltered and to distribute food and warm clothing when needed. I was relieved that our outdoor canvassing effort found that most homeless individuals and families in our community had found shelter that evening. Tackling housing issues in our community remains one of my biggest priorities this year.
And to that end, we announced this week a public hearing on Fair Housing to take place on February 12. We are asking for all interested parties to give input and provide comments. Community feedback is very important to influence the way Community Development Block Grant funds are distributed.
We kicked off Black History Month at City Hall with a Proclamation Ceremony. There will be many important, educational and fun events for the rest of the month. I hope to see you at the Community Dinner tonight at the Y, among the other thirty-odd Black History Month Kingston events.
We also have a helpful tip from Live Well Kingston on staying active during these colder days.
-Steve
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Public Hearing for Fair Housing Scheduled
The City of Kingston will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, as a part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, to identify fair and affordable housing and community development needs in the City. All citizens, non-profit organizations, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend and provide comment on community needs and concerns regarding our CDBG funding, housing, homelessness, gentrification, employment, or other social issues.
Annually, Kingston's Office of Economic and Community Development (OECD) receives a CDBG Entitlement Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City anticipates receiving approximately $670,000 in CDBG Program funds for 2019. The 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.
The public hearing comments should address public facilities improvements, programs and services that are needed to support Kingston residents, including whether citizens are experiencing segregation or discrimination in housing or employment; difficulties in finding decent, safe and affordable housing in the City and, if so, any recommendations for addressing these issues.
At the public hearing, there will be a brief presentation to describe the process, and will underscore the importance of public input on how to spend our CDBG funds to best address the needs of residents.
Comments can also be submitted by phone, in person, mail or email to Amee Peterson (845-334-3960, [email protected]). Spanish language translation services will be available upon request by calling the OECD at 845-334-3924, at least seven days prior to the public hearing.
February 12, 2019 at 6:00 PM
Kingston City Hall Council Chambers
420 Broadway, Kingston, NY
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Black History Month Proclamation at City Hall
To kick-off Black History Month, the Mayor delivered a proclamation today at City Hall, along with remarks by Frank Waters of Black History Month Kingston, Tyrone Wilson of Harambee and Odell Winfield of the
A.J. Williams-Myers African Roots Library.
Black History Month Kingston has an incredible line-up of events throughout the month, including the Community Dinner tonight at the YMCA, and First Saturday events tomorrow. City Hall will be hosting another event, a jazz concert in the Council chambers on Saturday, February 10. I hope to see you at some of these fantastic events!
CITY OF KINGSTON
PROCLAMATION
Whereas, the greatest strength of the City of Kingston is its diverse community; and
Whereas, It is with great joy and pride that we celebrate the 2nd Annual Black History Month Kingston; and
Whereas, the mission of Kingston's month-long celebration is to showcase and pay tribute to the legacy and contributions of African-Americans in Kingston and the surrounding areas; and
Whereas, this month long celebration is the embodiment of Harambee's "bringing together of people"; and
Whereas, this year the United States Congress has enacted the 400 Years of African-American Commission Act, which, in part, states that programs and activities will be held "...to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619..."; and
Whereas, the A.J. Williams Myers African Roots Library reminds our city that knowledge of the diverse cultural roots of people in our community needs to be understood and spread through sharing and learning from one another.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Steven T. Noble, Mayor of the City of Kingston, do hereby proclaim February 2019 as BLACK HISTORY MONTH in the City of Kingston and urge all residents to honor the legacy and contributions of African Americans in Kingston.
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I had the opportunity to participate in the Ulster County Continuum of Care's Point in Time Homeless Count on Tuesday evening. As part of this effort, we opened the doors to the Hodge Center to welcome individuals and families struggling with homelessness or at-risk of losing their housing to share a hot meal, complete a voluntary survey, and discuss potential support services available.
Approximately 30 individuals came to the Hodge Center and met with staff and volunteers ready to assist. With temperatures rapidly dropping and snow piling up, I was relieved that our outdoor canvassing effort found that most homeless individuals and families in our community had found shelter that evening.
Unfortunately, this means that some of our neighbors are doubling up in small living spaces or residing in area motels or shelters.
I look forward to reviewing the findings of the County-wide Count with the Continuum of Care in the coming months and developing strategies to help our most vulnerable residents. In addition, I have proposed conducting another Point in Time Count in Summer 2019, which will inform us of any changes in homelessness during the warmer months.
I want to thank all of the individuals and organizations who made last week's Point in Time Count possible, including the members of the Continuum of Care, the volunteers from Rise Up Kingston, the team at Texas Roadhouse who supplied a huge hot meal for all visitors, the local law enforcement agencies who led the canvassing teams, and the brave individuals who shared their stories of homelessness and housing insecurity. We have a lot of work ahead of us to ensure that everyone has access to safe, affordable housing in our community.
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| Chief Tinti and Mayor Noble canvassing on Tuesday |
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Staying Active During the Coldest Time of Year
On freezing days when it takes several layers to fight the cold, and being outside for more than a few minutes isn't advised, it's difficult to get our normal amount of daily exercise.
Live Well Kingston has created a
map of physical activity in our community, which includes indoor facilities for dance, pilates, self defense, yoga, and a list of gyms.
"It's important not to let our inner instinct to hibernate kick in too much," said Emily Flynn, Director of Health and Wellness. "If the thought of exercise on a cold day is a challenge, just imagine how great you'll feel after a hot yoga session, or getting your blood pumping in a spin class. Kingston has so many different opportunities to exercise out of the elements: an indoor running track, dance classes and even an indoor play space program at the Andy Murphy Neighborhood Center. Kids can especially feel cooped up staying inside."
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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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