The results of the city of Kingston’s survey on what should be done with the canopies in Uptown Kingston are in. A wide majority of the 628 total responders – 77 percent – favor repairing and rebuilding the canopies. An equally wide majority – 74 percent – of the responding property owners (14 of 19) who have Pike Plan easements favored tearing the canopies down.
Reasons given for preservation include the charm, character and uniqueness to Kingston as well as protection from the elements. Several warned of making the same mistake as was done when the city tore down the old post office. Many of the comments in favor of teardown include ongoing, persistent structural problems, the look of an old Western, not being historic to Uptown’s architecture, and opening up the sidewalks and storefronts to more natural light.
The survey was conducted by paper ballot and online from Feb. 25 to March 8.
“I want to thank all of our engaged community members who participated in the survey. We wanted to make sure we gave the public a say, and to hear as many voices as possible,” said Mayor Steve Noble. “I presented the results from both surveys at the Common Council Finance and Audit Committee meeting on Wednesday night, and the Council will now take all the comments into consideration before making their decision.”
The Common Council Finance and Audit Committee will reconvene to discuss their final conclusion about the Pike Plan canopies on April 1 at 6:30 p.m.
The canopies, often referred to as The Pike Plan after original designer John Pike, were built in the 1970s and renovated in the late 2000s.
Kingston officials wrestle with Pike Plan’s fate, but this time it could be the canopy’s end
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