Architect’s rendering of the front of the Bonura project
KINGSTON– Governor Andrew Cuomo came to Kingston Monday morning,
to talk about economics. Details of the city’s $10 million Downtown
Revitalization Initiative grant were announced. The city won first prize
last September during the second annual round of applications.
Cuomo said that a young educated workforce is key to revitalizing Upstate.
He called the Hudson Valley region a cool place to live. “I know
cool,” the governor said.
“Millennials are attracted to quaint places with walkability, and
recreation opportunities, he noted. Kingston starts with every asset you
could imagine. You now have the state macroeconomic forces going your
way,” Cuomo said.
Other speakers at the event included Ulster County Executive Michael Hein;
president of the Empire State Development Howard Zemsky; developer Joseph
Bonura Jr.; and Kingston Mayor Steven Noble.
Poughkeepsie Mayor Robert Rolison and Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano
also attended along with numerous other local public officials.
All of the $20 million will be spent in the Uptown Stockade historic district,
in an effort to boost the entire city and surrounding region.
“It is so exciting to see the change that is happening here in Kingston,
and be a part of it,” Bonura said. His $52 million mixed-use Kingstonian
hotel project on North Front Street was selected for the largest hunk
of DRI funding – $3.8 million in grants. The project will feature
132 apartments, 35 hotel rooms, commercial space, and a parking garage.
Another $2.5 million will help refurbish Dietz Stadium and Andretta pool.
Additionally, $1.3 million shall improve pedestrian access, traffic circulation,
and wayfinding signage within the Stockade Business District; and improve
the intersection of Albany and Clinton Avenues. Key upgrades will improve
safety and navigability while attracting tourism, shopping, dining and
business activity to the area.
Nearby Schwenk Drive is earmarked $987,102 for a redesign and makeover.
The road provides access to the adjacent Kings Plaza shopping mall, downhill
and behind the Kingstonian site. The plaza owner is also partners with
the pending hotel venture.
Old ruins along Frog Alley get $472,500, to stabilize remnants of the
historic Louw-Bogardus House, and create a public open space.
The remaining $600,000 goes toward a Stockade Business District Small
Grants and Loans Program.
More details: https://www.ny.gov/sites/ny.gov/files/atoms/files/Kingston_Award_Booklet.pdf
