Noble: “… we can build a far more resilient city …”
KINGSTON — Kingston Mayor Steven Noble encouraged a packed house of city residents Tuesday evening with an uplifting State of the City address.
Noble cited such accomplishments as consolidating the Economic and Community Development departments, which he attributes to the city’s retrieval of $3.5 million in state Consolidated Funding Application funds, $564,000 in additional new grant monies, and $1.4 million in Community Block Grant funding.
Noble said, in 2016, the consolidated department has successfully handled approximately $9 million in awarded grant funds.
The mayor also cited recent accomplishments regarding the publically
inclusive 2016 budget process, the new zombie property law that will help
put vacant properties back on the tax roll by establishing a land bank,
and the LED street lighting project.
Looking to the future, Noble said the adoption of the new city comprehensive plan, paving the way for continued economic vitality, sets the stage for the future of Kingston, which will have a heavy focus on working with the private sector.
“In order for our city to achieve and sustain a thriving economy we must continue to explore public and private partnerships,” said Noble. “Our efforts to secure major grant funding in the areas of infrastructure, transportation, housing and sustainability, along with appropriate policy changes, lay the groundwork for private investment.”
Noble’s plans for 2017 include establishing a Living Well Kingston healthcare initiative, an open space plan and consolidating the city bus system with Ulster County’s, much like that in the City of Poughkeepsie with Dutchess County, a plan that has drawn heavy scorn from Poughkeepsie residents.
“We cannot change the world, but I will assure you, that by working with our neighbors, instead of against them, we can build a far more resilient city,” the mayor said.
