Henry Street Safe Routes to School

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Project Update 7/11/23:

Project construction is proceeding with completion expected Fall 2023. At this time, the sidewalk and curb are near 40% complete. Underground utility work will begin shortly.

Project Background:

Following considerable public feedback from community members advocating to incorporate bluestone sidewalks into the project, in June 2021, then Director of Grants Management Kristen Wilson and GPI Project Manager Amanda Joy presented to the Common Council Finance and Audit Committee about the topic. Their presentation outlined the pros and cons of bluestone as a sidewalk material and cost estimates for installing new bluestone, resetting historic bluestone, and installing new concrete along Henry between Wall and Pine Streets. A copy of the presentation pdf can be found under Documents to the right.

The Committee chose to fund the option of resetting historic bluestone and recommended it for passage at the July full Common Council meeting. A recording of the discussion can be found here: CoK Common Council Finance Committee Meeting 6/9/2021.

On July 14, 2021, the Common Council passed Resolution 147 of 2021 to increase the bond ordinance by $115,000 to cover the cost of resetting historic bluestone between Wall and Pine Street. This resolution is also located under Documents to the right.

Project Description:

Henry Street is a well-traveled route that runs through the heart of Kingston — it's especially important to young students headed to and from school at George Washington Elementary and for people on their way to many other Midtown destinations.

Regrettably, most travelers find that the poor sidewalk conditions and lack of ADA-compliant ramps, crosswalks, and bicycle infrastructure make Henry quite difficult to traverse and road conditions are equally as hazardous for drivers.

The good news is that change is coming; with funding from the NYSDOT Transportation Alternatives Program, the City is working with engineering consultants GPI to develop designs that will correct these issues for all users and create a safe route to school for young travelers.

The project will provide new pedestrian and bicycle features all along Henry from George Washington up to Broadway. For drivers and cyclists, the existing pavement will be resurfaced to provide a smoother ride. Roadway striping will clearly define 7-foot-wide parking areas on both sides and two 11-foot travel lanes. Minor drainage improvements will be made where the curb line is expected to impact existing drainage structures.

Five-foot-wide concrete sidewalks on both sides of the street to accommodate pedestrians and younger cyclists are proposed. More experienced bicyclists will share the travel lanes with vehicles. A grass maintenance strip will separate the curb from the sidewalk and will include new trees carefully placed to avoid future utility line impacts.

A secure bicycle shelter will be installed at George Washington both for students and general public use.

In December of 2020, the City presented a virtual public information meeting about the proposed improvements and invited community members to offer feedback. Recordings of the meeting in English and Spanish are available for viewing on the CoK YouTube Channel:

Henry Street Safe Routes to School Project Public Meeting & Presentation

Reunión Pública Virtual del Proyecto Rutas Seguras a la Escuela en la calle de Henry

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Project Update 7/11/23:

Project construction is proceeding with completion expected Fall 2023. At this time, the sidewalk and curb are near 40% complete. Underground utility work will begin shortly.

Project Background:

Following considerable public feedback from community members advocating to incorporate bluestone sidewalks into the project, in June 2021, then Director of Grants Management Kristen Wilson and GPI Project Manager Amanda Joy presented to the Common Council Finance and Audit Committee about the topic. Their presentation outlined the pros and cons of bluestone as a sidewalk material and cost estimates for installing new bluestone, resetting historic bluestone, and installing new concrete along Henry between Wall and Pine Streets. A copy of the presentation pdf can be found under Documents to the right.

The Committee chose to fund the option of resetting historic bluestone and recommended it for passage at the July full Common Council meeting. A recording of the discussion can be found here: CoK Common Council Finance Committee Meeting 6/9/2021.

On July 14, 2021, the Common Council passed Resolution 147 of 2021 to increase the bond ordinance by $115,000 to cover the cost of resetting historic bluestone between Wall and Pine Street. This resolution is also located under Documents to the right.

Project Description:

Henry Street is a well-traveled route that runs through the heart of Kingston — it's especially important to young students headed to and from school at George Washington Elementary and for people on their way to many other Midtown destinations.

Regrettably, most travelers find that the poor sidewalk conditions and lack of ADA-compliant ramps, crosswalks, and bicycle infrastructure make Henry quite difficult to traverse and road conditions are equally as hazardous for drivers.

The good news is that change is coming; with funding from the NYSDOT Transportation Alternatives Program, the City is working with engineering consultants GPI to develop designs that will correct these issues for all users and create a safe route to school for young travelers.

The project will provide new pedestrian and bicycle features all along Henry from George Washington up to Broadway. For drivers and cyclists, the existing pavement will be resurfaced to provide a smoother ride. Roadway striping will clearly define 7-foot-wide parking areas on both sides and two 11-foot travel lanes. Minor drainage improvements will be made where the curb line is expected to impact existing drainage structures.

Five-foot-wide concrete sidewalks on both sides of the street to accommodate pedestrians and younger cyclists are proposed. More experienced bicyclists will share the travel lanes with vehicles. A grass maintenance strip will separate the curb from the sidewalk and will include new trees carefully placed to avoid future utility line impacts.

A secure bicycle shelter will be installed at George Washington both for students and general public use.

In December of 2020, the City presented a virtual public information meeting about the proposed improvements and invited community members to offer feedback. Recordings of the meeting in English and Spanish are available for viewing on the CoK YouTube Channel:

Henry Street Safe Routes to School Project Public Meeting & Presentation

Reunión Pública Virtual del Proyecto Rutas Seguras a la Escuela en la calle de Henry

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Page last updated: 12 Mar 2024, 09:52 PM