April 22, 2022 - In this issue:
Mayor's Message
Covid Update
Kingston to Celebrate 150th Anniversary
Grand Opening of Sojourner Truth State Park
Community Gun Buyback Event on April 30
KWD Awarded $3M for Cooper Lake Dam Project
Roadwork Update for Next Week
Parks & Rec Summer Job Opportunities
Mayor's Message:

Dear Friends -

Happy Earth Day! As many of you know, I have dedicated much of my career to implementing real change to environmental and sustainability practices on a local level. I'm proud of the work we've done, and will continue to do, including the recent Climate Action Plan 2030. In line with our long-term planning and the City's Open Space Plan, we are thrilled to celebrate the official opening of the new 500-acre State Park. We hope you'll join us at the grand opening of Sojouner Truth State Park tomorrow!

This week, we released a LED Energy and Cost Savings Analysis which reports on how our conversion to LED streetlights has had great economic and environmental benefit.

Save the date: After a two year hiatus, the Kingston Earth Fair will return! The event will be at Forsyth Park on Saturday, May 14. There will be food, music, lots of vendors, games for kids, and more.

-Steve
Covid Update
There are currently 284 active cases in Ulster County and 39 in Kingston.

Latest news:
Kingston to Celebrate 150th Anniversary
The City of Kingston will mark its 150th anniversary with a celebration on May 13, 2022 at 5:30pm in Council Chambers at City Hall.

In 1872, the villages of Kingston, Rondout, and Wilbur merged to form the City of Kingston. The original village of Kingston was settled in 1652 and became the first Capital of New York State by 1777 before it was burned by the British during the Revolutionary War that same year.
 
The event will include the burial of a time capsule filled with projects completed by Kingston City School District students that will be opened in 150 years, a music performance by the Bruderhof, a display of original 19th century archival documents, and a special theatrical performance by Theater on the Road. Special guest speakers will include Mayor Noble, Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack, Commissioner of Jurors Paul O’Neill, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, County Executive Pat Ryan, and New York State Historian Devin Lander.

The 150th celebration is free and open to the public. More info here
Grand Opening of Sojourner Truth State Park
Join a community Earth Day celebration at the new Sojourner Truth State Park and mark the opening of the first state park in the City of Kingston and Town of Ulster!

The celebration includes:
• Live music
• Earth Day educational activities
• Guided hikes
• Food vendors
• Lots more fun!

This free community celebration is in partnership with the City of Kingston and Radio Kingston. Spanish interpretation and bilingual assistance will be provided. All are welcome!
Community Gun Buyback on April 30
KWD Awarded $3M for Cooper Lake Dam Project
The Water Department’s Cooper Lake Dam Project is the recipient of a $3million Water Infrastructure and Improvement Act (WIIA) Grant.  
 
The Cooper Lake project is a $20 million project that is currently under construction to bring the dam at the reservoir into compliance with updated DEC regulations. A new intake tower and piping is being installed. Construction began in July 2021 and is expected to be complete in June 2023.
 
“The Cooper Lake Dam project is the costliest capital project that the Kingston Water Department has ever undertaken,” said Mayor Noble. “The project was mandated by changes in New York State DEC regulations, and, without grants like these from the State, the project could cause our water rates to increase by 20% over the next few years. We thank the Governor for her support and we will continue to seek additional funding resources.” 
 
Governor Kathy Hochul announced $638 million in grants to 199 public water and wastewater utilities across New York State, the most ever awarded in the history of the WIAA program. She said, “Modernizing our state’s infrastructure is critical to ensuring every New Yorker has access to clean drinking water.”
Roadwork Update - Week of April 25
Central Hudson: Clifton Ave/E. Chester Gas Replacement Project gas main installation will continue next week on Clifton Ave between Sylvester St & Flatbush Ave, Sherman St, and Lincoln St. with detours and road closures.

Service replacements will begin on Clifton Ave from Highland Ave to Shufeldt St. and Hemlock Ave.

Elmendorf Bridge deck has been poured. The bridge remains closed to all users for the duration of the project. A detour route is in place.

DPW will continue pothole and sewer repair next week.

Regular Roadwaork Updates will be posted on the City's website here.
Pouring of the Elmendorf Bridge deck
Kingston Parks & Rec Summer Job Opportunities
Join the City of Kingston team! Parks and Recreation is looking to fill several seasonal positions:

  • Summer Camp Director
  • Summer Camp Counselor
  • Lifeguard
  • Pool Attendant
  • Tennis Instructor
  • Park Ranger
  • Laborer

Contact the Parks and Recreation office for more information on how to apply: 845-481-7330.
Fishing Dock at Rondout Creek
Thank you to the Public Works Department for installing the fishing dock on Rondout Creek for the spring fishing season!
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
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: