Kingston Mayor Steve Noble’s 15-minute pre-recorded state- of-the-city address, shown at the January 5 Common Council meeting, touched on how Covid-19 has affected the city, Kingston’s housing situation, parks and recreation, police reform and the city’s long term sustainability plan.
“It’s a snapshot of where we are in our efforts to strengthen our economic and community development at the five-year benchmark,” said Noble.
A large portion of his address touched on how Covid-19 affected the city and the struggles that have been faced, as well as the hope that the vaccines will bring the pandemic to an end.
“I know it’s been difficult, but we will have to hold on a little bit longer,” said Noble. “Help is on the way.”
On January 7 the number of positive cases in the City of Kingston increased to 1087 from 1007 three days before.
Noble urges rezoning
“Even before the pandemic, we knew we were suffering a housing shortage, despite the results from the city’s first vacancy study,” said Noble.
Noble said the city took steps to address the housing issue in 2020, mentioning its partnership with Rupco to help provide emergency housing assistance to tenants whose incomes were affected by Covid-19. He also cited an executive order requiring new developments of five or more units to designate ten percent of housing units affordable.
“We cannot lose sight of our long-term housing levels so we are able to keep up with growing demand while ensuring no one loses their home,” said Noble. “I urge members of the [Common] Council to reconsider the proposal for a city-wide form based rezoning effort.”
He said the current zoning was “needlessly” complicated and hasn’t been updated in decades. With changes, Noble would expect to see more “economic development and smart growth.”
Heading into 2021, Noble asked the Common Council to look at the city’s Progress for Vacant Buildings Report outline, which details historic and existing conditions and recommends several new initiatives, as well as his proposal to convert two-city owned properties in Midtown for affordable housing.
“These centrally located, underutilized properties could be homes for community members in danger of displacement,” said Noble.
Police reform study
The mayor touched on issues surrounding policing and demonstrations for racial equality.“During the midst of the pandemic, in a deeply polarized political climate, we also experienced a national reckoning on racial injustice,” said Noble. “As local leaders, we had a responsibility to answer this call and to declare unequivocally that black lives matter.”
He discussed actions the city took regarding police oversight, including legislation that called for guidelines for training requirements, a transparent appointment process for police commissioners, and improvements to the officer complaint process.
Additionally, as all municipalities were required to do under an executive order from the governor, the city set up a police reform group. The Re-envision Public Safety Task has been meeting since September. It will produce recommendations that will be presented to the Common Council. Noble also thanked the Kingston Police Department for new initiatives in 2020, such as walking patrols.
“Hold on a bit longer”
Regarding city finances, Noble said that heading into 2020, the city had a “great fiscal standing.” Although Covid-19 had an effect, he said the city was “prepared to weather this storm.” During the address, Noble included highlights from the 2021 fiscal-year budget, which he said included no layoffs, no tax increases and no loss of service.
Noble discussed the Broadway Streetscape project and the new sidewalks installed on the south side of the street. Additionally, he said the city will continue to work on the realignment of the Broadway and Grand Street intersection, more sidewalk projects and traffic improvement projects.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it – there will continue to be detours and inconveniences as these projects unfold,” said Noble. “But once they are completed, we will have an inclusive, accessible and beautiful city to show for it.”
Noble said the city will soon announce its “Climate Action Plan 2030,” a ten-year sustainability plan for the city.
The city will also be releasing a report “in the coming days” on its financial plans going forward.
“It’s a snapshot of where we are in our efforts to strengthen our economic and community development at the five-year benchmark,” said Noble.
A large portion of his address touched on how Covid-19 affected the city and the struggles that have been faced, as well as the hope that the vaccines will bring the pandemic to an end.
“I know it’s been difficult, but we will have to hold on a little bit longer,” said Noble. “Help is on the way.”
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