September 4, 2020 - In This Issue:
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:

Dear Friends,

On this Labor Day weekend, I want to thank all the essential workers who have kept our City going throughout this pandemic: hospital workers and medical personnel, teachers, delivery drivers, postal workers, grocery store clerks, restaurant staff, and all the others who bravely showed up to serve others, THANK YOU! Your heroic efforts are much appreciated, and on this holiday we acknowledge your contribution. 

Also, a reminder that City of Kingston administrative offices will be closed on Monday in observance of the holiday. Trash and recycling will be delayed by one day next week. 

Please continue to stay safe, and take care. 
 
-Steve
Police Commission to Hold Public Meeting on September 9

This week Mayor Noble and the Police Commission announced a public meeting to address concerns regarding the law enforcement partnership, which will be held virtually via GoToMeeting on Wednesday, September 9 at 6:00pm.

The Police Commission has been closely monitoring the effectiveness of the recently assembled law enforcement partnership while also hearing the community's concerns regarding their experiences with increased policing in their neighborhoods. The purpose of the special public meeting will be to discuss these interactions and ensure there is proper balance between law enforcement initiatives and the rights of citizens residing in the affected neighborhoods.
"The Kingston Police Commission would like the community to know that we are here, we are listening and we invite you to reach out to us to share your concerns," the Police Commission said in a statement. "We want to make sure that members of the community have the opportunity to voice their experiences either publicly, privately, or anonymously. We take these concerns seriously."
Community members are encouraged to provide additional input prior to the public meeting through any of the following ways:
  • An official compliment/complaint form can be filed by completing the form posted on the Kingston Police Commission Website: https://kingston-ny.gov/policecommission  
  • Reach out to the Commissioners directly, with the time and date of the interaction. Contact information is posted below and on the website above.
  • If you do not feel comfortable contacting the Commission directly, please reach out through a community member to provide as much detailed information as possible.
Commissioners/contacts:
Mayor Steven Noble, 845-334-3902  
Commissioner Rev. Kendra VanHouten, V.P. 845-338-7722   
Commissioner Minya DeJohnette, Secretary 845-481-0793
Commissioner Brad Jordan, 845-590-3040
Commissioner Shaniqua Bowden, [email protected]
Police Chief Egidio Tinti, 845-943-5766  
Ulster County Human Rights Commissioner Tyrone Wilson, 845-334-5492
 
The public may attend the meeting online at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/578080997 or via phone at 877-309-2073 or 646-749-3129. The access code is: 578-080-997.

See the Facebook event and the Police Commission webpage
Uptown is Open!  

Uptown businesses will be participating in a sidewalk sale this weekend to kick off a series of several special weekend events. Dates are below - mark your calendar. 

Check out https://uptownisopen.com/ to see which of your favorite uptown businesses are open! 

Absentee Ballot Portal Now Open 

An Absentee Ballot portal is now open, where voters can directly request an absentee ballot for the upcoming November 3rd election. Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order to allow any voter concerned about risk or exposure to COVID during the ongoing pandemic to request an absentee ballot. 

Visit the portal and follow the steps below: https://absenteeballot.elections.ny.gov/
  1. Review the absentee ballot application and confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements for voting absentee.
  2. Fill out the application completely.
  3. Submit the request to your local election office. You should request your ballot as far in advance of the election as possible. The deadline to request a ballot by mail is (received by) Tuesday, October 27, 2020.
  4. When your ballot arrives, read it carefully and follow the instructions to complete it and return it.
Bicycle Repair Program at the YMCA

Less Than 30 Days Left to Take the 2020 Census

The 2020 Census is happening now through the end of September. You can complete your questionnaire online, by phone, or by mailThe 2020 Census asks a few simple questions about you and everyone who was living with you on April 1, 2020. It's quick, easy and is hugely important to our community when it comes to funding and representation! 

Learn more about the benefits of taking the Census here: www.2020census.gov/
Live Well Kingston Seeks Commissioners

Live Well Kingston is seeking applicants interested in serving on the commission, which promotes a healthy and active community by bringing partners and residents together to facilitate policy, environmental and systems changes.

The Live Well Kingston Commission meets on the third Wednesday of the month, from 4:00-5:30pm. Currently there are five focus teams: Travel WellEat WellPlay WellHeal Well and Age Well. The focus teams bring together partners working in the topic area to foster communications and synergies.

Live Well Kingston: 
  • Serves as a resource for education and a catalyst for decisions that foster healthy attitudes
  • Acts as a catalyst of programming, policy, systems and environmental change
  • Improves access to healthy, affordable, local food for children and families
  • Improves access to parks for active play through environmental changes and programming
  • Improves access to a safe and enjoyable walking and bicycling environment
  • Creates synergies among organizations to provide healthy eating and physical activity programming for families and children using Kingston's assets
  • Creates alignment among the efforts of several organizations and groups
More information at: http://livewellkingston.org/

Roadwork Update

Central Hudsonwork continued to complete service installations on East Chester Street & Tubby St., Tubby St & Hemlock Ave, and on Pearl Street working between Washington Ave and Emerson Street. 

Empire State Trail this week, contractors work included installing the stone wall along Route 32 (Boulevard).

I-587 Roundabout: highway drainage installation continues on E. St. James Street and Broadway. Sewer work will continue from East St James Street onto Albany Avenue. Excavation for asphalt placement and curb on Broadway will continue through this week. In addition, installation of conduit and permanent foundations for highway lighting has commenced and will continue through next week. Expect minor delays. Please use caution, as traffic patterns often and work is being done very close to the roadways.

Broadway Streetscapework continues on sidewalk, bioswales, underdrain, and pavers from Liberty to the end of the project, which meets the Roundabout area. Next week, sidewalk and driveway placement will occur, more light poles and curb areas installed. 
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
[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: