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October 2, 2020 - In This Issue:
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A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:
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Dear Friends,
We had our first Re-envision Public Safety Task Force meeting this week, and I was really impressed with the qualifications and passion of all the appointees. We have a lot of work to do, but this group is dedicated to making meaningful change.
There will be opportunity for public feedback along the way. We've created a Re-envision Public Safety Task Force page on EngageKingston.com which includes a forum for the community to leave thoughts and feedback. There will also be a Town Hall forum on Wednesday, October 28, details to come.
Though we have a great group of folks on the task force who represent many communities in Kingston, we will make sure we are giving the greater public ample opportunity for engagement.
-Steve
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Boulevard/Route 32 to be Paved
Boulevard (Route 32) will be paved from the City line to Greenkill Avenue. Preparation has begun, with milling to begin next week and paving to be completed by October 16, weather depending.
NYS Department of Transportation crews are currently moving along Boulevard installing sidewalks and retaining walls, with flaggers directing traffic. Drivers should expect long delays in traffic during the next two weeks and are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
Drivers should also be aware of changing traffic patterns along Greenkill Avenue. NYS Department of Transportation has been completing the Empire State Trail south section, which connects the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail to the Jansen Avenue trailhead of the Kingston Point Rail Trail. The paved and landscaped trail travels along Boulevard/Route 32, Greenkill Avenue, and Broadway. Funding for the Empire State Trail comes from NY State-dedicated transportation funds.
New sidewalks on Boulevard/Route 32
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Applications for Second Round of CDBG-CV Open
The City of Kingston received a special allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds in the amount of $256,376 to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to Covid-19.
The application for the City's second round of CDBG-CV funding can be found here as well as a budget template. Successful first-round applicants may re-apply for additional funds. All previous applications will be reconsidered even if funding was not awarded in the first round. Applications that may outdated (e.g., a summer program), are welcome to update their application and re-apply. Applications are due no later than noon on Tuesday, October 13, 2020.
"We are fortunate to have received this second round of funding that will support so many of the organizations that stepped up during the COVID-19 crisis to help our community members," said Mayor Noble. "The pandemic has shed light on the stark need in our City's most vulnerable populations, and being able to provide crucial assistance with these federal funds will help so many across our community."
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Take the Cultural Participation Survey!
As a part of the Arts & Culture Master Plan project, the City of Kingston will be releasing two cultural surveys for community members to complete. The Cultural Participation Survey, and the Cultural Asset Inventory Survey are a critical first step to gathering information on arts & culture in Kingston.
Let us know how you experience arts & culture in Kingston! Visit Engage Kingston to learn more about the Arts & Culture Master Plan and register to receive updates on upcoming workshops, and more.
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Upcoming Parks & Recreation Programs
Kingston Community Bike Rides: a 12+ mile ride will kick off and will tour some of Kingston's most beautiful parks and murals. Or, at 10:30am, an easy 3-mile family ride along the Kingston waterfront. Saturday, October 3, 9:00am.
Fall Foliage Paddle: Paddle along the Hudson River during one of the most scenic times of the year! Enjoy the leaves changing and the natural beauty on the river. All tours are 2 hours and include equipment and guide. $30 for Kingston residents/$40 non-residents. Saturday, October 10, 9:30am and noon.
I Love Nature Series: Designed to get children outside and foster a new love for nature and science. With programs covering adaptation and forest ecology to fort building and hands on animal time, this program will cover a lot of nature in just three weeks. Tuesdays October 13, 20 and 27. Times based on age.
Riverkeeper Clean Sweep: Give back to your community by helping us clean up Rotary Park, clearing the trails of branches and overgrowth, cleaning garbage from the site and possibly painting park structures. Saturday October 17, 9:00am.
Full Moon Walk: As the sun sets and the moon rises, join us on this easy one mile walk along the Hudson River. Learn about the nocturnal creatures of the area and with Halloween so close by-maybe we'll get to hear a werewolf! Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. October 29.
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EV Fast-charging Station Coming to Uptown
This week, NYPA and NYS DOS announced that they will be providing Uptown Kingston with an electric vehicle fast-charging station, capable of recharging EVs in 20 to 30 minutes.
The program is for DRI communities across the state. Our fast-charging EV station will go at Dietz stadium and will coincide with the many other DRI improvements planned there. "As a Downtown Revitalization Initiative recipient, we are thrilled with all of the wonderful improvements happening in our downtown area," said Mayor Noble. "The fast-charging EV station is not only a benefit to our entire community, it supports our City's larger green initiatives and sustainability efforts. We are seeing more and more electric cars, including our own City fleet, and to have one of these state-of-the-art fast charging stations will keep adding to the appeal and revitalization of our downtown area and beyond. We thank the Governor, NYPA and DOS for providing Kingston with these energy-reducing, cost-saving and eco-friendly opportunities that improve our City exponentially."
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LISC-Lowe's Small Business Loans
LISC is inviting small business owners in rural locations across the country to apply for the LISC-Lowe's Rural Relief Small Business Grants program. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less. All potential applicants are encouraged to review the FAQ and grant information before applying.Non-profit organizations are ineligible for the relief funding program at this time, but may be eligible for later rounds of funding. Applications are open until October 5, 2020. Apply here.
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Mayor Noble's Tuesday & Thursday Live Updates
Mayor Noble has been live on Radio Kingston since mid-March to give the latest information about Coronavirus and issues effecting the community. These updates also stream on the City of Kingston Facebook page.
Click below to watch Thursday's update:
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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. |
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