January 17, 2020 - In This Issue:
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:

Dear Friends,

In my State of the City address, I noted that we would be seeing a lot of construction in the coming months and asked for a bit of patience.  This week, DOT announced that they will begin the construction process for the I-587 roundabout. When the roundabout is complete, it will be a more welcoming introduction to Kingston for visitors and will offer smoother passage through our City for our residents. This much-needed improvement will benefit all - whether on foot, bike, wheelchair or car -- to better navigate a currently frustrating and often dangerous intersection. But in the meantime, please be patient with the detours. Good things await! 

-Steve
Work Will Soon Begin on I-587 Roundabout

This week New York State DOT announced that work is beginning on an $11.6 million project to reconstruct the intersection of Interstate 587, which includes Colonel Chandler Drive, Broadway, and Albany Ave, into a modern roundabout. The reconfiguration, which features streetscaping, landscaping, raised pedestrian crosswalks and cyclist facilities, will smooth traffic flow and enhance safety at a busy entrance to the City of Kingston. 

Field preparation, survey and utility work is getting underway this winter, weather permitting, but most project construction is scheduled for the 2020 and 2021 construction seasons.
 
Construction is expected to be done in stages, including five traffic shifts. Digital message boards will be posted along major corridors to alert motorists about traffic changes. Pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained throughout the project duration. Traffic delays should be expected. Efforts will be made to maintain or relocate parking in the area while construction is ongoing.  On-street parking will be maintained to provide easy access to local businesses.  
   
NYSDOT has additional information regarding roundabouts, including how to safely navigate a roundabout, at https://www.dot.ny.gov/main/roundabouts. 

I-587 Roundabout Open House

NSYDOT will host an open house-style informational meeting about the I-587 roundabout project on Wednesday, January 29 from 6:00-8:00pm at City Hall. All residents are encouraged to attend and ask any questions you may have. 
 

City-wide LED Streetlight Conversion Has Begun 

The installation of energy-efficient LED streetlights throughout the city began this week.  The project to convert all  2,400 streetlights will  save the city more than $200,000 annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 570 tons per year-the equivalent of taking approximately 110 cars off the road. 
 
The crews have already successfully installed over 400 LED streetlights in Wards 3, 4 and 5. The project is expected to be completed by March, weather depending. 

Call for Boards & Commissions

We are currently looking for engaged residents from diverse backgrounds who are  interested in serving their community on a board or commission. Current openings include: 

Community Development Advisory  Board
Conservation Advisory Council
Human Rights Commission
Planning Board 
Kingston City Land Bank
Heritage Area Commission

We encourage all individuals who are interested to 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.  The online application can be  found here .

Ulster County Continuum of Care Homeless Count on January 23


Mondays with the Mayor: Cultural Master Plan

T his week on Mondays with the Mayor on Radio Kingston, Mayor Noble spoke with  Addie Farr,  the City's Director of Art and Cultural Affairs about what the planned Cultural Master Plan for the City of Kingston. Click below to hear their conversation. 

Kingston 311
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. 
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]

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: