Midtown Thriving: BOA Grant
The City of Kingston, in partnership with Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, has won a Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) grant for $238,559 from the New York State Department of State. The joint project is called Midtown Thriving: A Community Vision to Revitalize Vacant Properties.
The grant will fund a community-driven plan for the redevelopment of certain properties within the Midtown neighborhood of Kingston. The work will focus on vacant and abandoned properties within a 270-acre area that runs along the Broadway corridor. Ulster County led a preliminary study of this area in Midtown Kingston in 2019. Pattern for Progress will lead the development of a final BOA plan, which will take about two years to complete. The final plan will be submitted to the state to complete the BOA nomination and unlock tax credits that encourage the redevelopment of properties in alignment with the community’s vision.
Project Kick-off Meeting
April 10 6:00-7:30pm
This meeting will take place in the Council Chambers at City Hall and virtually via zoom. Spanish language services and childcare will be provided. Register here to attend via zoom. If you will need childcare, please reach out to Bstarodaj@Kingston-ny.gov to reserve a spot.
Steering Committee
Name | Affiliation | Title |
Amanda LaValle | Ulster County | Deputy County Executive |
Chris Silva | Ulster County Performing Arts Center | Executive Director |
Dan Whalen | Boys and Girls Club | Executive Director |
Drew Andrews | Center for Creative Education | Executive Director |
Erica Brown | Radio Kingston | Community Engagement Coordinator |
Jeanne Edwards | City of Kingston Common Council | Ward 4 Alderwoman |
Jillian Pacheco | Community Hub Space | Community Program Lead |
Kimmer Gifford | Kingston City Schools | LCSW, School Social Worker and McKinney Bento Representative |
Kristen Wilson | Ulster County | Deputy Director of Planning for Ulster County |
Lisa Barnard Kelley | Midtown Arts District (MAD) | Executive Director |
Lorne Norton | RUPCO | Real Estate Development |
Manuel Blas | Midtown Business Alliance | Head of the Spanish Committee |
Micah | Good Work Institute | Worker, Trustee |
Robert Leibowitz | Ulster County | Principal Planner |
Weston Minissali | Taproot CLT | |
William Cranston | Midtown Business Alliance | Treasurer |
Planning Process and Outcomes
The planning process starts with an in-depth analysis of existing conditions and opportunities for revitalization. It includes multiple public engagements, including meetings and workshops where Kingston residents will help planners identify priority parcels for redevelopment and create a vision for their potential uses. Designation as a BOA by the State will give development in the area priority and preference for state programs, eligibility for pre-development funding, and it will unlock tax credits for property owners and developers.
These benefits will encourage the revitalization of underutilized parcels while helping Kingston move toward equitable, environmentally responsible, mixed-use and walkable infill redevelopment. The BOA plan will set forth a clear community vision with key redevelopment goals. Based on that community input, the plan could spur investment in new housing and businesses, improve environmental quality, and connect the neighborhood internally and to other parts of Kingston through the city’s urban trail system.
Follow the project to get updates on the BOA planning process can learn about meetings, workshops and other opportunities.
Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress is a nonprofit organization that provides objective research, planning, and educational training throughout the region. Its work identifies civic challenges and promotes regional, equitable, and sustainable solutions to constantly improve the quality of life in Hudson Valley communities. Pattern develops its work upon a considerable foundation of facts and experience, without political aims or affiliations. More information can be found at www.Pattern-for-Progress.org.
Thank you for your contribution!
Help us reach out to more people in the community
Share this with family and friends