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An online platform where community members can weigh in on municipal infrastructure projects, planning &amp; program initiatives, and current issues &mdash; to help guide decisions that affect every citizen.

Welcome to Engage Kingston

As part of the implementation of the Plus One Home Program and in partnership with RUPCO and Ulster County, the City of Kingston is hosting an Accessory Dwelling Unit Design Competition. The purpose of the design competition is to raise visibility around the benefits of ADUs as one way to relieve a Countywide housing shortage and to encourage housing variety and affordability. The design competition also aims to inspire the public with tangible examples of freestanding ADU&#39;s they could visualize in their neighborhoods. **Now Accepting Designs Until August 15, 2023**Subscribe to updates on the design competition by hitting the &quot;Subscribe&quot; button Eligibility:<ul><li>New-York based teams with New York architectural license (or partnership between a national architect and a New York-based one with a state architecture license) to qualify for Professional category</li><li>Current student or entrant without a New York architectural license may qualify by entering via the non-professional/student entry </li></ul> By participating, you or your team will: <ul><li>Raise visibility of ADUs as one way to relieve a Countywide housing shortage.</li><li>Inspire the public with tangible examples of freestanding ADU&rsquo;s they could visualize in their neighborhoods.</li></ul> And may receive awards such as:<ul><li><h4>Award of $25,000 to create pre-approved building plans that City of Kingston and Ulster County homeowners can use to construct new attached ADUs</h4></li><li><h4>$3,000 to best non-professional/student entry. </h4></li><li><h4>Publication/promotion with contact information to the architect/design team of qualified submissions. </h4></li></ul>To apply:<ul><li>Read through the <a href="https://engagekingston.com/19722/widgets/63528/documents/42356" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ADU Design Brief</a></li><li>Read the <a href="https://engagekingston.com/19722/widgets/64470/documents/42830" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">City of Kingston Request for Proposals for full submission requirements,</a> submit your proposal by August 15</li><li>Include the Information Sheet, Affidavit of Non-Collusion, and Respondent Certification form with your submission</li></ul>What are ADUs? Why are they important?The City of Kingston&rsquo;s newly established Department of Housing Initiatives is dedicated to supporting sound planning, smart growth, and people-first development&mdash;essential building blocks of healthy, stable communities. The City believes that accessory dwelling units have a role to play in expanding housing choice and increasing housing affordability.Accessory Dwelling Units are small, attached or detached dwellings that share the property of a larger, single-family residence. They have become increasingly popular across the Pacific Northwest and California. Many municipalities have programs to encourage property owners to build accessory dwelling units (e.g., see <a href="https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/accessory-dwelling-units-adus-secondary-units" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Oakland</a> and <a href="https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Community-Development/Resources/Accessory-Dwelling-Units" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Sacramento</a>). Adoption in New York has been much slower and <a href="https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/ny-state-of-politics/2022/02/18/hochul-scraps-accessory-dwelling-unit-plan" style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">efforts to legalize ADUs at the state level have stalled</a>. Kingston&rsquo;s and Ulster County&rsquo;s experience with building new ADUs could spur greater interest in ADUs as a housing option across New York. This program could show that ADUs could help by expanding housing opportunities for vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, and households on fixed incomes. Competition Evaluation Criteria<ul><li>Sustainability &amp; Resilience: Sustainable/energy efficient, resilient to potential hazards. </li><li>Affordability &amp; Cost-Effectiveness: Minimizes expense and promotes affordability.</li><li>Accessibility &amp; Universal Design: Prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity for diverse populations. </li><li>Innovation &amp; Creativity: Demonstrates innovation, creativity, and unique design solutions. </li><li>Aesthetics &amp; Contextual Integration: Visually appealing and integrated with surrounding environment. </li></ul> Award CategoriesProfessional Entries<ul><li>Best overall &ndash; new detached ADU (professional)</li></ul>Non-professional/Student Entries<ul><li>Best overall &ndash; new detached ADU (non-professional/student entry)</li></ul> Design Competition Period Begins: Early May, 2023Design Competition Public Forum: Mid-June, 2023 (to be announced)ADU Proposal Submission Deadline: August 15th, 2023Competition Winners Announced: September 15th, 2023 Help design the future of housing choice and equity in Kingston and Ulster County!<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-us-california/981898df825b3fbf4650c54a0c7601b0a0ecda9d/original/1681763393/3ebc49de20101b9b03ff3926320c1bd3_Screenshot_2023-04-17_162927.jpg?1681763393" style="width: 665px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">

Say Yes to ADUs! Accessory Dwelling Design Competition 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government created the <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/american-rescue-plan/">American Rescue Plan </a>to provide direct relief to Americans, contain the effects of COVID, and rebuild the economy. Municipalities across the country have received financial support to assist in ongoing recovery efforts. The City of Kingston received $17.3 million in American Rescue Plan funding to support its efforts through 2026.In 2021, the City hired <a href="https://labergegroup.com/">Laberge Group</a> to facilitate the creation of Kingston&rsquo;s <a href="https://engagekingston.com/13278/widgets/40861/documents/30193">Economic Recovery Plan</a>. The Plan follows all federal guidelines, incorporates extensive community input, and builds upon existing community projects, while supporting new initiatives that support recovery from the pandemic. The Kingston Common Council approved the plan in April 2022.Mayor Steve Noble has appointed Project Manager Bill Reynolds to oversee the Economic Recovery Plan and manage Kingston&rsquo;s $17.3 million in ARPA funding.Reynolds will be responsible for coordinating ARPA projects and expenditures and ensure that funds are properly accounted for. Kingston&rsquo;s <a href="https://engagekingston.com/13278/widgets/40861/documents/30193">Economic Recovery Plan</a>, which incorporated months of community outreach and input, can be found on this page under &ldquo;Documents.&rdquo; As the projects outlined in the plan begin implementation, further updates will be added here.Designated project areas in the <a href="https://engagekingston.com/13278/widgets/40861/documents/30193">Economic Recovery Plan</a> including the following:<ol><li>Arts, Cultural, &amp; Tourism Development Projects - $1,042,500</li><li>Business Districts Development/Business (Re)Development Fund Projects - $1,200,000</li><li>Housing Action Projects - $4,757,500</li><li>Non-Profit Service Support - $1,225,000</li><li>Parks &amp; Greenways Improvement Fund - $1,250,000</li><li>Public Health Projects - $2,125,000</li><li>Vital Community Infrastructure Projects - $4,545,000</li><li>Administration, Program Delivery, and Premium Pay - $1,555,000</li></ol>According to federal guidelines, ARPA funds may be used by local governments to:<ul><li>cover costs associated with responding to the COVID-19 public health emergency or its negative economic impacts;</li><li>support workers performing essential work during the emergency;</li><li>cover revenue losses caused by the emergency; and</li><li>make necessary investments in water, sewer, or broadband infrastructure.</li></ul>Watch this American Rescue Plan Act Public Meeting:During two public meetings, one of which is featured below, representatives from the City of Kingston and Laberge Group explained the Economic Recovery Plan process, identified strengths and opportunities for the City of Kingston, discussed challenges facing Kingston&rsquo;s economic recovery, and solicited project ideas to advance economic recovery. Watch here in English or Spanish.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q2qZFlJ6NWc?&wmode=opaque&rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>Vea la reuni&oacute;n en espa&ntilde;ol a continuaci&oacute;n:<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zIY7Fj1GKDI?&wmode=opaque&rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> Please leave us a question or comment below!

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

The ARPA Affordable Housing Fund is an allocation of $1,000,000 from the City of Kingston's federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) award. The program is designed to incentivize the construction of affordable housing units in Kingston. *This program will be accepting applications beginning June 1, 2023* How To Apply: Applicants should first carefully review the Grant Guidelines. To apply, you must submit an application package with the following:Grant Application and Narrative Form (found under "Grant Application")Applicant Certification Form (found under "Grant Application")Completed budget template (found under "Grant Application")Proof of site control, such as deed evidencing ownership or contract of saleCopy of IRS W9 Tax FormCopies of tax returns for the three most recent completed fiscal years the business has been in operation or other documentation showing the Applicant’s financial condition. If applicable, Applicant should include bank and credit references.If applicable, copies of site plan or project specs and/or evidence of financing/letters of interest or commitment letters.If applicable, MWBE certificationWe strongly suggest you contact us prior to completing the application for preliminary review of your project’s eligibility.Application packets can be delivered via regular mail, in-person delivery, or email to:Mailing/Delivery Address: Office of Housing Initiatives, 420 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401Email: bstarodaj@kingston-ny.gov (Confirmation email will be sent upon receipt.)     Use of FundsThe ARPA Affordable Housing Fund is a reimbursement program. No funds will be distributed until the completion of all construction work, and an issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy from the City's Building Department no later March 31st, 2025. The program is not intended to provide the sole source of funding for any developmental project. Its contribution should not exceed more than 50% of the total project cost, or 75% for MWBE developers (Minority or Women Business Enterprise)Funds may be used for essential construction or rehabilitation activities. Owners may use funding to construct new housing, to rehabilitate currently vacant properties, or adaptive reuse of non-residential structures. Owners may receive up to $60,000 per unit. The minimum grant award is $10,000 per unit. No more than $180,000 will be made available to any building no matter how many units are in the building. No more than $180,000 will be made available to any one owner.Affordability RequirementsAfter completing rehabilitation or construction work, the fund recipient must commit to selling /renting the property to residents making no more than 60% of Area Median Income based on the latest HUD Guidelines for Ulster County. The affordability and income limit agreement shall be enforced for a 20-year period. Dwelling TypeMaximum Rent based on 60% AMIStudio$1,0081-Bedroom$1,0802-Bedroom$1,2963-Bedroom$1,4974-Bedroom$1,671The City of Kingston supports a right to housing for all. Help us build a more affordable Kingston!

ARPA Affordable Housing Fund Program

Mayor Steve Noble is pleased to announce the launch of the City of Kingston&rsquo;s ARPA Arts &amp; Culture Internship Grant Program, which is made possible with funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. This program is intended to respond to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency by focusing on youth arts and culture workforce development.Per the City of Kingston&rsquo;s <a href="https://engagekingston.com/13278/widgets/40861/documents/30193">Economic Recovery Plan</a>, the Arts &amp; Culture Internship Grant Program will use ARPA funding to aid the creative economy by encouraging young people to develop an interest in, and the skills needed, to participate in the arts industry. The program will support both nonprofit and for-profit arts and culture organizations that experienced losses due to the pandemic.The creative industries &ndash; which include advertising, architecture, arts and crafts, fine arts, design, fashion, film/video, photography, music, performing arts, publishing, computer games, and TV/radio &ndash; are the lifeblood of the creative economy. The creative economy has no standard definition but can be thought of as the sum of all the parts of the creative industries, including trade, labor, and production.Eligible institutions may apply for cash assistance to hire high students or recent graduates to intern at their business or organization for one semester: Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024. Interns shall be a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student or individual who graduated from high school, college, or graduate school in 2023 or 2024. To be eligible for an award, an entity must:<ul type="disc"><li>Be a nonprofit or for-profit business contributing to the creative economy based in the City of Kingston limits</li><li>Have been operating in the City of Kingston prior to October 1, 2021</li></ul>Please review the full guidelines before applying. Relevant Documents:<a href="https://engagekingston.com/19322/widgets/61304/documents/40373">Guidelines</a><a href="https://engagekingston.com/19322/widgets/61304/documents/40372">Application</a><a href="https://engagekingston.com/19322/widgets/61304/documents/40370">Applicant Certificate</a> Additional APRA funding opportunities available to arts and culture businesses and institutions include <a href="https://engagekingston.com/small-business-grant-program">ARPA Small Business Grants</a>, <a href="https://engagekingston.com/arpa-community-events-grant-program">ARPA Community Events Grants</a>, and Nonprofit Services Grants (coming soon).

ARPA Arts & Culture Internship Program

Mayor Steve Noble is pleased to announce the launch of the City of Kingston&#39;s ARPA 2023 Community Events Grant Program, which is made possible with funds from the federal <a href="https://engagekingston.com/american-rescue-plan-act-arpa?preview=true">American Rescue Plan Act</a>.The City has allocated $375,000 of its ARPA award to fund this initiative as part of the our city-wide pandemic recovery efforts. The program will respond to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency by focusing on the needs of non-profit groups and businesses that plan to host community events in 2023.&nbsp;Nonprofit groups and businesses located within City limits are eligible to apply for up to five events per year at up to $5,000 per event &mdash; for a total of up to $25,000 per organization. Events must be free and open to the public and either have previously taken place prior to 2020, or if new, not duplicate pre-existing events and focus primarily on youth and families as the target audience. New events must also have the potential to become annual and be beneficial to the broader community. Overall preference will be shown to applications for events that focus primarily on youth and families as well as those that draw audiences from diverse backgrounds.Funding is available for events taking place throughout 2023 (February through the end of December). Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from Friday, February 3, 2023 through Friday, November 1, 2023. The last eligible event date is December 31, 2023.For additional information about eligible expenses, application instructions and other topics, please take a look at the guidelines to the right. The grant application and other documents are also located there and can be downloaded for your use.Thanks to you, we look forward to a festive year filled with great community gatherings across the City &nbsp;&mdash; &nbsp;and we&#39;d like to help &nbsp;&mdash; Please apply for a Community Events Grant today!

ARPA Community Events Grant Program

The City of Kingston has allocated more than $1.2 million of its federal American Rescue Plan Act award to fund a local <a href="https://engagekingston.com/19517/widgets/62033/documents/41847" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nonprofit Services Grant Program</a>. This program is intended to respond to the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency by focusing on Kingston&rsquo;s nonprofit organizations, many of which played an outsized role providing services during the pandemic or were unable to provide services to constituents due to school or other closures. The nonprofit sector of Kingston&rsquo;s economy &ndash; particularly entities that provided human services &ndash; were severely stressed by the pandemic, being forced to &ldquo;do more with less.&rdquo; Grant awards of up to $25,000 each will help Kingston-based nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations recover from the negative financial impacts caused by the pandemic. This is a reimbursement program; award payments will be made following execution of a City/Grantee contract and the City&rsquo;s receipt, review, and acceptance of expense documentation. The City is looking to fund programs and services that can start from the time grants are awarded through next year. Grantees will be reimbursed for eligible expenses with appropriate documentation in an amount of up to $25,000. Expenses must have been incurred between March 3, 2021 (the date ARPA became law), and September 27, 2024. Evidence of expenditures must include sufficient information for the City to determine what the expense was for, to whom it was paid, and when it was paid. Supporting documentation may include copies of detailed payroll reports, cancelled checks, bank statements, credit card statements, and/or vendor receipts. Applicant EligibilityTo be eligible for an award, an organization must:<ul><li>Be a nonprofit or not-for-profit entity within City of Kingston limits or outside the city that provides services to city residents (preference will be given to city-based organizations)</li><li>Be registered as a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit or not-for-profit in the State of New York </li><li>Have been operating in the City of Kingston or providing services prior to October 1, 2021</li><li>Not be facing any pending litigation or legal action</li><li>Not have any principals, including all managing members and/or officers, who have been convicted of financial crimes within the past three years</li><li>Not be suspended or debarred from the use of federal funds</li></ul>Grant awards will be up to $25,000 to cover expenses for program delivery, defined as the items below that support the organization&rsquo;s mission. Grant funds may be used to support nonprofit program delivery to those in need in the City of Kingston. Program activity examples include but may not be limited to: food distribution to low-income residents, shelter for the homeless, medical assistance, mental health services, and other basic needs services. Out-of-school and visiting in-school arts, culture, and other types of education programs are also eligible. Costs of physical improvements to facilities of entities located outside of the City of Kingston will not be funded.Expenses incurred between March 3, 2021 and September 27, 2024 are eligible for reimbursement.Eligible expenses include:<ul><li>Payroll for program staff</li><li>Program-related inventory/supplies/equipment</li><li>Improvements to ventilation in program spaces</li><li>Personal protective equipment (PPE)</li><li>Other physical improvements to processes or location to comply with social distancing or other directives issued by the County or State due to the pandemic IF your organization is physically located in the City of Kingston</li><li>Other costs related to the direct provision of services</li><li>Guest educator fees </li></ul>Ineligible uses of funds include:<ul><li>Costs incurred prior to March 3, 2021</li><li>Loss that bears no relation or is grossly disproportionate to the type or extent of harm experienced due to the pandemic</li><li>Payment of personal expenses (e.g., personal credit cards, family car, home repairs, non-business travel)</li><li>Direct financing to political activities</li><li>Religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization and/or those that promote or inhibit religious interest</li><li>Economic hardship incurred for reasons other than the pandemic</li><li>Costs previously covered by alternate federal, state, or local grant funding</li><li>Payment of fines </li><li>Purchase of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol</li><li>Food and entertainment </li><li>Bonus pay</li><li>Indirect costs such as rent or utilities</li><li>Physical improvements to real property located outside of the City of Kingston</li></ul>Application Materials/Submission<a href="https://engagekingston.com/19517/widgets/62033/documents/41847" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instructions</a> and the <a href="https://engagekingston.com/19517/widgets/62033/documents/41848" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">grant application</a> are available at <a href="http://www.engagekingston.com/arpa-nonprofit-grant-program" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Engage Kingston</a>. Please note: the application form is a fillable pdf; applicants may download and type directly into the form.A completed digitized application package must include:<ol><li>Grant Application Form</li><li>Applicant Certification Form</li><li>Copy of IRS W9 Tax Form</li><li>Copy of completed and signed IRS 990 and/or 990N form</li><li>Copy of 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) letter</li><li>Budget for your project/program (using template provided)</li><li>Most recent bank statement where reimbursements would be deposited</li></ol>Application packets should be emailed to: <a href="mailto:arpa-grants@kingston-ny.gov">arpa-grants@kingston-ny.gov</a> (A confirmation email will be sent to you upon receipt.)Application Review ProcessCity staff will review all grant applications for completeness and eligibility. Applicants may be asked to revise proposals or provide additional information. Important NotesNo person or organization will be excluded from participation in, denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part with the City&rsquo;s funds on the basis of race, color, religion, sex including pregnancy (childbirth, and related medical conditions), sex stereotyping, transgender status and gender identity, national origin (including limited English proficiency), age, disability, or political affiliation or belief.PLEASE NOTE: Only digital, electronically transmitted copies of applications will be accepted. Organizations may want to consult with a tax professional when applying. Recipients found to have expended grant funds on expenses previously covered by another federal, state, or local program or on ineligible expenses will be required to repay all grant funding awarded by this program.For questions about the application, eligibility, or other concerns, please contact:Bill Reynolds, Program Manager<a href="mailto:breynolds@kingston-ny.gov">breynolds@kingston-ny.gov</a> or 845-334-3986.

ARPA Nonprofit Services Grant Program

Mayor Noble is pleased to announce the winners of the Small Business Grant Program, which is made possible with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The program was offered in response to the pandemic to help businesses keep their doors open, protect jobs, support community recovery, and increase resilience.With almost 170 responses, which were far more than anticipated, it was an exacting challenge to identify the list of finalists. But after careful consideration, and to assist as many businesses as possible, Mayor Noble determined that all applicants meeting the program’s eligibility requirements will be awarded $7,500!Our thanks go out to all who made the effort to apply for this important funding — and we extend our sincere regrets to those who did not make the final list. The City values all of our small businesses and will continue to share information about future grant and loan opportunities whenever possible.Below is our final list of 149 awardees from across the City, including 58% that are Minority, Women, or Veteran-owned businesses. This week, City staff will begin contacting awardees individually about next steps. Meanwhile, congratulations to the following:

ARPA Small Business Grant Program Awards

Every citizen has the right to a safe, quality home, but rising costs here in Kingston and across the country continue to threaten that right. As a result, many of our low-income residents face homelessness and displacement from the City.In late 2019, <a href="https://www.enterprisecommunity.org/">Enterprise Community Partners</a> &mdash; a national non-profit whose mission is to address America&rsquo;s affordable housing crisis &mdash; selected the City of Kingston and nine other New York State municipalities for participation in a 10-month Anti-Displacement Learning Network (ADLN) program. Throughout 2020, the City&rsquo;s team convened regularly with Enterprise staff, housing experts, and the other teams from across the State for a series of workshops designed to guide strategy identification.The City of Kingston is now proceeding with creating a a Tiny Homes Community to provide safe, emergency non-congregate housing and support services who are at risk of becoming, or are already, homeless. Rental rates, if charged, would be in line with affordability based on the Department of Social Services housing allowance. Ultimately, tenants would transition out of the tiny homes into permanent homes. The Community is currently being planned for two City-owned vacant lots: 78 Franklin and 81 Cedar. It is expected that construction will begin Spring 2022.A public input session occurred on March 17 at 6:00pm at the Everette Hodge Center. If were unable to make it and have questions or concerns about this project you would like answered, please use the Q&amp;A feature below or contact Bartek Starodaj at (845) 334-3928 or <a data-fr-linked="true" href="mailto:bstarodaj@kingston-ny.gov">bstarodaj@kingston-ny.gov</a>. The presentation from this meeting is now posted under &quot;Documents.&quot;<hr> <div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-us-california/9f2e67e8db807d1feb58f38e25881d6f89d83b14/original/1647964817/5341893c4a49a23bbb6750ded9ad8ddb_DSC07787.JPG?1647964817">Public input meeting held on March 17. Photo by Jordan Bologna. </div> <div class="fr-img-space-wrap"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-us-california/4113ecb632f4b0363e944c251980c74226959251/original/1644859383/52c5ae0d0b5dbf1492128b66e1860cf2_Tiny_home_mockup.jpg?1644859383">Mock up Tiny Homes </div>

Anti-Displacement Strategies & Tiny Homes Project

Be a Road HeroThe City of Kingston has launched an initiative to improve traffic safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. &ldquo;Be A Road Hero&rdquo; is a public awareness campaign that educates residents on road safety. What the City Is AddressingKingston dates back to 1652. Many of our roadways need updating to suit our current transportation needs. While the City is working to make modern improvements, traveler confusion, crashes, and dangerous near misses have affected the City&rsquo;s roads. Then in 2021, three devastating cyclist deaths focused the need for an education campaign. With the implementation of the Hurley Ave Complete Streets Project, the Broadway Streetscape Project, the Broadway Grand Intersection Improvement Project, the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan Project, the Empire State Trail, and the New York State Department of Transportation&rsquo;s I-587 roundabout, there are many new traffic configurations to navigate.Residents will find new traffic signs, reconfigured street lanes, a two-way cycle track, green bike turning boxes, traffic signals for the cyclist lanes, and synchronized traffic lights on Broadway. The recent improvement projects also include pedestrian-friendly amenities such as ADA-compliant sidewalks and curbs, and high-visibility crosswalks (with rapid flashing beacons).How the City Has Addressed ItThe City issued a Request for Proposals and hired <a href="https://www.nikijones.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Niki Jones Agency</a> to develop a Marketing Campaign, including branding and copywriting, and materials including 3 short-form videos, a direct mailer, and a social media campaign. The Be a Road Hero campaign results from a collaboration between City staff, a Project Advisory Committee, and consultants from the Niki Jones Agency. Every City of Kingston resident will receive a flyer in their mailbox, will see the Be a Road Hero social media campaign reflected across all COK channels, and is encouraged to watch and share the three helpful how-to videos. How To Be &lsquo;Road Heroes&rsquo;The City of Kingston has launched a comprehensive education campaign, but Traffic safety is a two-way street. Stay informed on upcoming changes and always be alert, whether driving, biking, or walking. What to know: <ul><li>Cyclists must obey all signs, street markings, and signals.</li><li>vehicles are never permitted to park in cycle tracks or buffer zone.</li><li>Regardless of how you are traveling, stay alert, especially at crossings and cycle tracks.</li></ul>Drivers! Be a Road Hero The road is full of neighbors, friends, parents, and children&hellip;; Drive like they&rsquo;re your own.<ul><li>Always watch for pedestrians and cyclists.</li><li>Familiarize yourself with Kingston&rsquo;s new street designs on Broadway and the I-587 roundabout.</li><li>Check your mirrors and blind spot for cyclists, especially when traversing the cycle tracks to make right-hand turns or when opening car doors.</li></ul>Cyclists! Be a Road Hero Be predictable! Cyclists are safer when they follow traffic laws.<ul><li>Use the new cycle tracks and obey all traffic signals.</li><li>Look for vehicles turning right and crossing cycle tracks. Even if your traffic signal is green, watch for motorists.</li><li>Ride with traffic.</li><li>Always watch out for pedestrians.</li></ul>Pedestrians! Be a Road HeroThe City of Kingston has made upgrades to pedestrian signs, markings, and signals but pedestrians should still always watch for vehicles<ul><li>Stay safe by using the new high-visibility crosswalks, ADA-compliant sidewalks, and updated crossing signals.</li><li>Be visible. Never assume a motorist sees you.</li></ul>Kingston Needs HeroesRoad heroes take action in times of change. Luckily, the behaviors needed for safer streets in our community begin with small, common-sense acts. Obey the laws, be alert, and keep an eye out for each other. No superpowers required!*How To Use the Green Box[Insert updated copy from radio and video scripts]How to Use the Pedestrian Rapid Flashing BeaconsComing soon

Be a Road Hero: Traffic Safety Campaign

The City of Kingston has awarded a contract to provide landscape design plans for greenspace at the newly-configured intersection at Broadway and Prince Street to KaN Landscape Design.The City of Kingston issued an RFP in April, which asked qualified firms to develop a landscape design plan to serve as a blueprint for creating an attractive, inviting public space at a crucial juncture of the Kingston Greenline in the heart of Midtown.KaN is a women-owned, Kingston-based landscape design firm that has worked on many local projects including the Y Park, the YMCA playground, and the African Burial Ground. Community engagement, stakeholder support, and the inclusion of the Kingston YMCA Farm Project and other youth groups, and local organizations will be an integral part of the plan development. KaN will kick off the project at the YMCA Farm Project’s Harvest Day on September 20 to gather initial input, and will launch a public survey in September.During the extensive engagement process, KaN will meet with nearby residents and businesses, local organizations, and will hold a series of youth-led, interactive workshops to facilitate ideas, among other activities.The project will be managed by the City of Kingston’s Department of Health &amp; Wellness and is funded by the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities program through the New York State Department of Health, supported with American Rescue Plan Act funding.The design is expected to be completed by late spring 2023. History: The old Kingston Post Office was built at the intersection of Broadway and Prince Street in 1908. By 1969, postal operations had grown larger than the building’s capacity, and the building was sold, then torn down to make room for a fast food restaurant. The destruction of this architectural gem has been lamented ever since. The Midtown area has evolved over the years, and today nearly 40 buildings are devoted to art-based uses and a significant arts identity has been established for the community. The RFP asks that these distinct neighborhood features be incorporated into the design.The Broadway Grand Street Intersection Improvements project realigned and improved the safety at a formerly dangerous intersection. Working with GPI, the engineering consultants for the Broadway Streetscape Project, the City redesigned the intersection of Broadway, Grand Street, Prince Street, and Pine Grove Avenue to reduce traveler confusion, crashes, and near-misses. Funding for the Broadway Grand Street Intersection Improvements project was provided by the NYSDOT Multi-Modal Program, which was secured with the assistance of NYS Assemblymember Kevin Cahill. The design integrated with the major $25 million Broadway Streetscape Project, and is the culmination of the new protected bike lane that runs north to the I-587 roundabout. Pedestrians and bicyclists traveling on the Empire State Trail, use this intersection to connect to Prince Street to continue along the trail route. To accommodate the realignment, an abandoned Planet Wings building was demolished, leaving community greenspace.Funding: Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (CHSC) Grant: The City of Kingston received this 5-year grant from the New York State Department of Health starting in 2021 to implement projects that support policy, system, and environmental changes to help make the healthy choice the easy choice in Kingston.

Broadway & Prince Landscape Plan

Due to the results of the 2020 Census and local population changes, the City of Kingston must redraw current districting maps to make the nine wards more equitable. To undertake this effort, the Common Council President has created a Redistricting Sub-Committee, with council members Barbara Hill, Rita Worthington, and Michael Olivieri serving.This effort is required every 10 years, based on the most recent Census data. Redrawing local voting districts for elections is based on population changes from the previous Census; changes in the local population since the 2020 Census will not be considered. The current draft of the new redistricting maps and a Deviation and Demographics report will be available at soon, along with a short survey related to the redistricting process.The Redistricting Sub-Committee will hold a virtual informational meeting on Thursday, November 17, at 4:00pm to provide the public with more comprehensive redistricting information. Redistricting Informational MeetingNovember 17, 20224:00pm Virtual onlyJoin via Zoom <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81550226651?pwd=MHBicWdlZXRhMVVseEQvMmVtdWFpdz09">here</a>.Passcode: c7FY0S1E The Redistricting Sub-Committee will create a redrawn map of City of Kingston&rsquo;s nine wards. The first draft will be presented at a discussion on Tuesday, December 13 at the Kingston Public Library at 6:00pm. After community input on the initial map draft, a second draft of the redrawn map will be available prior to a second public hearing, which will be held at City Hall on Thursday, January 12, 2023.The Common Council expects to vote on the final maps on Tuesday, February 7, 2023. Municipalities in New York must abide by <a href="https://redistricting.lls.edu/redistricting-101/where-are-the-lines-drawn/">the Voting Rights Act and constitutional rules on race</a>. NY State law prohibits districts to be drawn with the purpose or result of denying or abridging racial or language minority voting rights and requires that districts be drawn so that racial or minority language groups do not have less opportunity to participate in the political process and to elect representatives of their choice. New York law also requires districts to be contiguous and as compact in form &ldquo;as practicable,&rdquo; and there must be considerations to protect communities of interest. Wards/ Election Districts may not be drawn to discourage competition or for the purpose of favoring or disfavoring candidates or parties. More information at <a href="http://www.engagekingston.com/redistricting">www.engagekingston.com/redistricting</a>.

City of Kingston Redistricting

On an ongoing basis, the City of Kingston Department of Housing Initiatives reviews the disposition of city-owned property suitable for development with an emphasis on affordable housing opportunities and projects that provide clear community benefits.For an updated list of surplus City-owned properties, click <a href="https://engagekingston.com/15740/widgets/48119/documents/31186" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.Provide feedback and ideas using the Q&amp;A feature below.To be notified of future RFP opportunities for city-owned property, click on the &ldquo;register&rdquo; button.

City of Kingston Surplus Properties

The City of Kingston is creating a Climate Action Plan 2030 (CAP), which will provide a blueprint to build sustainable, resilient, and independent energy, food, economic, and social systems over the next 10 years. With your help, we&#39;ll develop a vision that is community-wide, bold, transformative, engaging, and capable of achieving sharp reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In spring 2020, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation named Kingston the first <a href="https://kingston-ny.gov/news/?FeedID=1189" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Silver Certified Climate Smart City in the State of New York</a>. This honor recognizes our strong efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate. To date, measures we&#39;ve taken include installation of EV charging stations in public parking lots and solar panels on municipal buildings, and integration of green infrastructure into streetscape projects, to name a few.The Climate Action Plan 2030 will build upon this successful climate smart work in order to further achieve a safe, healthy community for generations to come. Our leaders are invested in a more sustainable future, and the process of developing our CAP is a key opportunity for the community to provide input. The Climate Action Plan 2030 will seek to improve:<ul type="disc"><li>Air quality</li><li>Access to EV charging stations</li><li>Food waste resources such as composting</li><li>Access to cost-effective, energy-saving home improvements </li><li>Availability of renewable energy to low-income households, including community solar </li><li>Workforce initiatives and training for green jobs </li><li>Public transportation </li></ul>The Climate Action Plan 2030 will be developed by the City and the community with assistance from <a href="https://cadmusgroup.com">Cadmus</a>, an environmental consultancy firm, and <a href="https://citizensforlocalpower.org/">Citizens for Local Power</a>, a nonprofit energy educator, which will host a series of community engagement meetings over the next 10 months.Recent CAP 2021 survey results can be found <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/stories/SM-HCSXJ7G2/">here</a>.Please watch a recording of the CAP 2030 Kick-off meeting that took place on January 14, 2021 in which consultants from Cadmus presented findings from months of research.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SNKRA6Uukn0?&wmode=opaque&rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmjcbBuLVb8?&wmode=opaque&rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe>●●●

Climate Action Plan 2030

With funding support from the NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program, the City of Kingston is preparing a community preservation plan (CPP) that will build upon the city’s solid foundation of prior work.As of 2019, the Community Preservation Act has been amended by NYS to include Ulster County. This legislation offers the City of Kingston an opportunity to protect open spaces and natural resources, environment, and community character. The law allows communities to develop a reliable, ongoing source of funding without increasing annual property taxes for residents for:ParksTrailsLands conservationHistoric preservationSuch a program must be based on priorities identified in a Community Preservation Plan. The communities of New Paltz, Warwick, and Red Hook have all adopted Community Preservation Plans.Legislation and required elements of CPPThis plan shall list every project which the designated community plans to undertake pursuant to the community preservation fund. It shall include every parcel which is necessary to be acquired in the designated community in order to protect community character. Such plan shall provide for a detailed evaluation of all available land use alternatives to protect community character, including but not limited to:fee simple acquisitionzoning regulations, including density reductions, cluster development, and site plan and design requirementstransfer of development rightsthe purchase of development rights, andscenic and conservation easements.Such evaluation shall be as specific as practicable as to each parcel selected for inclusion in the plan. The plan shall establish the priorities for preservation. Funds from the community preservation fund may only be expended for projects which have been included in said plan.A community preservation plan can be used to identify priorities for…Parks, nature preserves, wildlife refuges, greenbelts and recreation areasLands of exceptional scenic valueProtection of wetlandsAquifer recharge areasRare or endangered habitats or unique or threatened ecosystemsPublic access to land for recreational useProtection of rivers, streams and waterways wetlands and shorelinesPreservations of historic places and propertiesViable agricultural landsA community preservation plan cannot be used to identify priorities for…HousingSewer and stormwater infrastructure improvementsRoad infrastructure improvementsPlease take our Community Preservation Plan Survey by July 15th! Desplácese hacia abajo para español Aquí está la encuesta en español: This Project has been funded in part by a grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund through the Hudson River Estuary Program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.Photos by Robert Rodriguez, Jr. / Courtesy of scenichudson.org

Community Preservation Plan