May 10, 2024 - In this issue: | |
Mayor Presents Trio of Housing Bills to Council | |
Survey Results for Home Share Program | |
Majority Leader Schumer Visits Kingston | |
Prospect Street Sewer Project Public Info Meeting | |
Kingston Earth Fair on Saturday | |
Mayor Noble's Tuesday Radio Show | |
Next Round of Paving & Weekly Roadwork Update | |
City of Kingston Job Opportunities | |
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Mayor's Message:
Dear Friends -
I am recommending that the Council adopt three new housing bills, one that protects tenants, and two that I believe will help us to reach our goal of approving 1,000 units of housing by 2029 and will spur the creation of much-needed affordable housing in our city.
We are always looking for creative ways to provide enough affordable housing to meet demand. An interesting idea is a home share program, which pairs folks with room in their homes with people seeking housing. A recent public interest survey showed local residents felt that a home sharing program could help seniors to age in place while receiving additional income and support with tasks and upkeep. Other advantages of this program could be alleviating loneliness, providing security, and improving overall mental health. I look forward to working with Family of Woodstock to continue to explore launching this program in our community.
Tomorrow, the Kingston Earth Fair returns to the waterfront. See you there!
-Steve
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Mayor Presents Housing Bill Package to Council | |
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Mayor Noble presented the Common Council with a trio of housing laws: Good Cause Eviction Law, 421-P Tax Exemption for New Affordable Housing Units, and 421-P Tax Exemption for New Accessory Dwelling Units, which were spurred by recent changes in the New York State budget.
Good Cause Eviction Law was recently passed statewide, giving municipalities the ability to opt-in. Passing Good Cause Eviction would give Kingston tenants the right to a lease renewal, and would protect against predatory rent increases and unfair evictions. A judge would decide if an eviction were for a good cause based on the defined criteria of the Law. “Good causes” include failing to pay rent, violating terms of the lease, causing a nuisance, or violating the law. As per State Law, new housing built after 2009 and for 30 years thereafter, owner-owner occupied buildings with 10 or less units, and buildings with existing regulatory agreements would be exempt from the legislation.
Mayor Noble said, “I urge the Kingston Common Council to pass Good Cause Eviction legislation. We are in the midst of a housing crisis, and I believe passing Good Cause Eviction will not only help protect tenants, it will also be beneficial for our City, homeowners and neighborhoods, and good landlords. Everyone deserves a safe, secure place to live, and Good Cause Eviction gives tenants the power to demand safe living conditions without fear of retaliation. Housing instability has profound effects on a person’s well-being, including physical and mental health, academic success, and gainful employment. This legislation would be one step in helping everyone in our community have adequate housing.”
Mayor Noble also proposed passing a tax exemption for new affordable housing units. The new State budget allows the City of Kingston to partially exempt new housing from property taxation, including 100% tax exemption during construction. After construction, the 100% exemption is slowly reduced by 4% annually for 25 years. The exemption would apply to any new residential or mixed-used project built on underutilized or vacant properties with at least 10 housing units in which at least 25% of the housing units are affordable to households between 60-80% Area Median Income.
In addition, Mayor Noble is recommending a tax exemption for new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Under the new State budget, municipalities can partially exempt new ADUs from taxation for 10 years (100% exempt during the first five years, with the exemption percentage declining over the subsequent five years). This exemption would complement other City initiatives to encourage ADUs, including the ADU Plus One Grant program, the ADU design competition, and the City’s new zoning code.
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Survey Results for HomeShare Program | |
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The results of a public survey which gauged interest in expanding the HomeShare Woodstock program to Kingston, indicate a positive response to bringing a homesharing program to Kingston.
Last year, Family of Woodstock launched HomeShare Woodstock, a program that connects home providers and home seekers, allowing each to remain in their communities while offering a mutually beneficial, affordable housing solution. After an intensive matching process, HomeShare helps home providers gain extra income and receive help with tasks while providing home seekers an affordable rental for someone in the community.
HomeShare Woodstock is the state’s first free home sharing program outside New York City. The program currently has six successful matches benefitting fourteen people. The HomeShare Woodstock staff work hard to make successful matches and follow the homesharers throughout the match, helping with any issues that may come up. HomeShare Woodstock has consulted with dozens of the more than sixty programs in the United States to create its model and is now helping other communities explore home sharing.
A steering committee will be formed to determine next steps. Kingston residents interested in serving on the steering committee to launch the program should fill out this interest form by May 19. Residents may also contact homesharekingston@familyofwoodstockinc.org.
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Majority Leader Chuck Schumer Visits Kingston | |
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This week, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer visited Kingston to support our congressional spending request for the Safe & Accessible Flatbush & Foxhall project.
The project will improve pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along the two highly trafficked areas, and improve safety at railroad crossings. Approximately two miles of sidewalks will be rehabilitated, and painted crosswalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps will be installed. Accommodations for bicycles will also be added along both avenues, connecting to other infrastructure projects, including the Empire State Trail and the Kingston Greenline, which is a network of rail trails, complete streets, and linear parks that winds throughout the City.
Read Senator Schumer's announcement here.
More about the Safe & Accessible Flatbush & Foxhall project can be found at https://engagekingston.com/safe-and-accessible-flatbush-and-foxhall
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Prospect Street Sewer Project Public Meeting | |
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A public information meeting for the Prospect Street Sewer Project will be held Monday, May 13, 20024, at Clinton Avenue United Methodist Church (122 Clinton Avenue) from 4:00-6:00pm.
The Prospect Sewer Project replaces sewer, storm and water lines on Prospect in two segments: St. James Street to Liberty Street, and Henry Street to Greenkill Avenue.
Residents and area businesses are encouraged to stop by the open house informational meeting to ask questions and meet the project team. This project is expected to be disruptive. On-street parking will be limited or prohibited at times during the project, as will through traffic, however, construction crews will ensure that though access for residents is maintained.
Prospect Street Sewer Project construction is expected to begin in June, with completion expected by the end of October 2024.
In addition to the public information meeting, residents in the area may also contact City Engineer John Schulthies with questions or concerns at jschultheis@kingston-ny.gov or 845-334-3967.
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Kingston Earth Fair Returns to the Waterfront Tomorrow | |
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The City of Kingston’s 10th annual Earth Fair is tomorrow, May 11 at T.R. Gallo Park. This year’s Earth Fair will include live music, food trucks, children’s games and activities including face painting and a solar-powered merry-go-round, a free swap market, electric vehicle displays, green education, free Solaris boat rides, Clearwater tours, local food vendors, and more.
E-waste and refrigerant recycling will also be available free of charge! Computers, televisions and other electronics can be brought to the e-waste station. Refrigerants like AC units, dehumidifiers, freezers and refrigerators can be brought for free disposal. Participants are also encouraged to bring gently used closed or household items for the Earth Day Exchange.
The 2024 Earth Fair will feature a Native American Water Ceremony, live performances by the Center for Creative Education’s Community Drummers and Energy Dance Company, the Mid-Hudson Juggling Association, and the Arm of the Sea Theater.
Music performances will be on two stages and include Taina Asili, the B2’s, Guy Davis, Emma’s Revolution, Magpie, Piedmont Blūz Acoustic Duo, Pulso de Barro, The Rix, Sundub, and a Celebration of Peter Seeger.
Parking will be limited. A free UCAT shuttle bus will be running between the Cornell Street and Kingston Point Beach parking lots and T.R. Gallo Park all day, and a bike valet will be available at TR Gallo Park.
The Kingston Earth Fair is free and open to all. The Kingston Earth Fair is made possible by generous sponsors. This year’s sponsors include Herzog’s Home and Paint Centers/Kingston Plaza, Hot Water Solutions (HWS), Ulster Federal Credit Union, Fruition Chocolate Works, Ulster Savings Bank, Chicory Naturalist, NYS Solar Farm, and Rycor Heating + Cooling.
For more information, including exhibitor registration or volunteering opportunities, visit www.kingston-ny.gov/earthfair.
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Thanks to all who participated in the 2024 Clean Sweep last Saturday!
We collected 3,280 pounds of garbage and 5 shopping carts, 4 car tires, and about 350 pounds of scrap metal!
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Paving & Weekly Roadwork/Infrastructure Update | |
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Paving: the second round of paving in 2024 will be Delaware Avenue from Broadway to Hasbrouck Avenue, Jansen Avenue from Foxhall to East Chester Street, and Staples Street from Broadway to the dead-end. Preparation in the area has already begun. Milling is expected to begin on Monday, May 20, with paving expected to be completed by Friday, May 24, weather depending.
Post Office Park: excavation continues to form pathways, bench areas, and bicycle pads.
Wurts Street Bridge: work continues with south tower repairs, various steel repairs, caulking and painting below bridge deck and at north tower, electrical work within chambers and south slope preparation. The bridge rail has been installed and trees and grass have been planted.
Henry Street Safe Routes to School project: all remaining signage will be installed. Mulch will be laid around the trees. The final striping will be painted next week. To facilitate the street striping, there will be No Parking within 50 feet of the intersections on Henry Street next week.
ADA Ramps Citywide: crews will continue restoration along Pearl Street. The restoration of Pearl Street should be completed next week.
Crews will continue construction of ramps along Elizabeth Street. It is anticipated that ramps on Elizabeth Street will be completed and restoration will begin next week.
Central Hudson: Construction will continue the week of May 13 on Fair Street between Franklin Street and Henry St and on Furnace St between Franklin St and the dead-end. Expect road closures and/or lane closures in areas of active construction.
Service replacements will continue the week of May 13 on Saint James Street from Prospect Street to Clinton Avenue. Lane closures and/or detours are expected.
Weekly roadwork updates will be posted on the City website here.
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Fresh paving on Henry Street. Striping will be painted next week. | |
City of Kingston Job & Board Opportunities | |
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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. Photos can be attached to illustrate service orders.
This system is a valuable resource to submit municipal service requests. Examples include:
- Streetlight replacement
- City signage, including overgrowth blocking traffic signs
- Snow removal, reporting parking violations, and other snow-related issues
- Parks & playground repairs
- Report graffiti or vandalism
- Trail issues
Dial 311 from any phone within City limits to reach us, use the app or visit www.kingston-ny.gov/311/
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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:
www.kingston-ny.gov
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