June 19, 2020 - In This Issue:
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow is the official first day of summer! Today we re-opened City playgrounds and tomorrow Kingston Point Beach will officially open, with lifeguards on duty five days a week. Outdoor dining is now allowed in our region, and many local restaurants have already set up outdoor seating areas. 

However, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to stop the spread of the virus. We encourage frequent use of hand-sanitizer at playgrounds, and 10 feet between groups at the beach. Strict guidelines are in place for restaurants, including socially distanced tables, staff wearing masks, and guests wearing masks when entering and exiting. 

If you see any establishment in Kingston not complying with the State's standards, please call 833-789-0470 or use this link to submit a complaint.

I also encourage folks to be creative, and come up with news ways to get outside and enjoy this beautiful Hudson Valley weather. 

Take care, and stay safe. 

-Steve
City of Kingston Playgrounds Have Re-Opened

The City of Kingston  playgrounds will re-open on June 19, 2020 with COVID-19 health and safety guidelines in place.
 
Starting today, families and children may begin to use City of Kingston playgrounds, which will be open and use-at-your-own-risk. New York State Department of Health strongly suggests using hand sanitizer before and after using playground equipment and frequently throughout play. Family groups should maintain a distance of six feet when not using the playgrounds.
 
As a reminder, tennis courts in City of Kingston parks are open, and the Kingston Point Beach will open on Saturday, June 20. Bathrooms in the parks and at Dietz Stadium will open on June 29, 2020 and will cleaned and sanitized often.
Today is Juneteenth National Freedom Day in the City of Kingston

Wilbur Avenue Paving Project 

The Wilbur Avenue Paving Project will correct drainage issues on Wilbur Avenue (NYS Route 213), which have caused deterioration of the road and resulted in hazardous driving conditions. The project includes two 11-foot travel lanes with 3-foot shoulders being constructed along the proposed roadway section. Gutters, swales, and culverts will be added to better direct storm water runoff to the Twaalfskill Creek. Guardrails and signage will be upgraded and the roadway will be paved from south of Greenkill Avenue to north of West O'Reilly.
 
Construction is tentatively scheduled for April to September 2021. More information and design plans are posted at  EngageKingston.com/wilburave. Comments will be open until July 15, 2020.
 
"Even through these difficult times, we continue to move forward on projects to improve many aspects of life in the City of Kingston," said Mayor Noble. "It's important that we keep these projects moving forward, but we want to make sure we hear the community's feedback as we do so. I encourage residents to visit Engage Kingston and see all the projects we are currently working on and all the different ways you can contribute." 

Kingston Multicultural Festival

This year's  Kingston Multicultural Festival will take place online and includes  a variety of experiences ranging from the Mid-Hudson Chinese Community Association Dance Team to Italian crooner Michael Del Vecchio and his Michael Dell Orchestra, to Latin dance troupe Dojo Dance; and the New Progressive Baptist Church.

Kingston Multicultural Festival also spotlights several interactive activities for the family,  instructional videos on how to dance bachata, drum Latin beats, make cultural crafts, and food demonstrations from around the world. And so much more.

This year's festival is dedicated to the memory of Esther Taylor Evans, a beloved member of the Kingston community who was a fierce advocate for the Black and multicultural communities.  Visit www.kingstonmulticulturalfestival.org for more. 


Mayor Noble's Daily Update

Mayor Noble is live on the City of Kingston's Facebook page and at Radio Kingston at 5:00pm daily from Monday to Thursday. 

Submit your questions for the Mayor on Facebook and he will try to address all related questions and concerns. Then tune in to hear the day's news and updates. 

Click below to hear Thursday's update.

Water Department Superintendent Wins Major Award

Kingston's Water Department Superintendent Judith Hansen received the highest level of awards for the American Water Works Association (AWWA) - the George Warren Fuller Award.  Hansen was surprised on a virtual call on Monday, June 15, 2020 by her colleagues, City Mayor, City board members, NYSAWWA Board Members, peers, friends and family.
 
"It's been an honor and privilege to be able to work alongside Judy. She's done so much for our city and for the state. I might be biased, but I feel we have the best water department and the best superintendent in New York State. I feel very confident that our water department is in her hands," said Mayor Noble.

The George Warren Fuller Award is presented annually to a selected member for their distinguished service to the water supply field in commemoration of the sound engineering skill, the brilliant diplomatic talent, and the constructive leadership which characterized the life of George Warren Fuller.
 
Ms. Hansen certainly embodies those qualities and has always gone above and beyond and has proved to be an outstanding member. She has been a trailblazer and has worked as a water treatment plant operator, a laboratory director and currently serves as Kingston Water Department superintendent.
 
She's been a very active member of AWWA and holds or has held several leadership positions within the organization such as past chair of the membership committee, vice chair of the program committee, NYWARN regional co-chair, AWWA Qualserve Program Peer Reviewer and is currently the NY Section Board of Governors Past Chair. 
Kingston Garden Bed Project

Given these challenging times, and due to the COVID-19 crisis, it is more important than ever that we are empowered to grow our own food to become self-reliant and resilient. 

The Kingston YMCA Farm Project, Hudson Valley Farm Hub, Hudson Valley Seed Co, and Kingston Land Trust are offering materials, labor, and guidance to support folks in the City of Kingston to create raised-bed gardens outside of their homes or in their neighborhoods. We have the ability to install a garden bed at 20 residential locations in the City of Kingston in 2020. 

With limited resources available, we are prioritizing low income, elderly, disabled people and those with chronic illness, migrant, refugee, Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, families with children, women, and trans* non-binary folks.

If you or someone you know would be interested in a garden bed, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/o47kh7TLxFs414fa7

Roadwork Update

Central Hudson will continue their gas line replacement work this week took place at Hoffman Street, E lmendorf Street and Andrew Street. Service installation this week was on Broadway and West & East O'Reilly Streets this week. Check the City's website under "Latest News" for Central Hudson's work plans for next week. 
 
I-587 Roundabout: Sewer installation along with manholes continues this week on Broadway and East Saint James Street, contractor is moving toward Albany Ave. Sewer laterals installation on Broadway to businesses/homes have started and will continue next week.  Plans to begin installation of proposed water main will commence the week of June 22.
 
Empire State Trail: Half section of barrier will be installed on Route 32 over the next two weeks. Milling and paving of new shoulders on Route 32 will start next week and continue for a few weeks. Sidewalk and curb installation to start on Route 32. Expect traffic delays.
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. 
Sent on behalf of:
Mayor Steven T. Noble
845.334.3902
mayor@kingston-ny.gov

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: