Kingston’s Common Council this week agreed to support the removal of the Pike Plan canopies on North Front and Wall streets in the Stockade district. Mayor Steve Noble said the city will soon be going out to bid on the removal work. He is also promising to meet with the adjoining property owners and tenants in the coming weeks to discuss the next steps, the removal process, and façade repairs.
Noble expects demolition in April. “Restoring our beautiful historic buildings will be a great step in the right direction,” said the mayor, “and returning the facades to their original grandeur will bolster the economic vitality of Uptown Kingston.”
Noble’s press release mentioned “a steady stream of lawsuits” from William Gottlieb Real Estate “that have threatened our efforts to improve our city and protect our residents.” He accused that firm of attempting to drain the city of funds and resources, but said the city government would “continue to stand against this powerful corporate interest and do what is necessary to protect Kingston residents.”