Public sessions set for ‘Kingston Forward’ city-wide rezoning initiative

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Kingston City Hall

KINGSTON – The City of Kingston will be holding several public events for the Kingston Forward city-wide rezoning initiative. The purpose of the meetings is to formulate a community vision for future land development and preservation. Input from public meetings will guide updates to the city’s existing zoning code.

  The city has contracted with the planning firm Dover, Kohl & Partners to shepherd the Kingston Forward process, and to engage the community in deciding the desired form and character for future buildings and streets throughout the city. Updated zoning code regulations can support community goals such as historic preservation, economic development, increased housing options, resilient neighborhoods, the design of streets and public spaces, and much more.

  Several opportunities for community participation will be held November 4-10, 2021, during a series of events called a “charrette.” During the charrette, city staff and consultants will work with the community to identify points of consensus and develop a long-range vision.

  “The City of Kingston has a very outdated, confusing and often inequitable zoning code. We are embarking on a rezoning initiative which will preserve our historic assets, help us plan for the future, and make sure we are creating a zoning code that lifts all of our residents,” said Mayor Steven Noble. “In order for the code updates to reflect a shared community vision, public participation is vital. I highly encourage community members to attend the week’s presentations and hands-on input sessions, and visit the open design studio where each day’s progress will be displayed. Community feedback will be incorporated at every step of the planning process.”

  The week-long schedule of events includes a kick-off meeting and a hands-on input session. Participants may attend one or both of the hands-on input sessions to share their ideas.

 

Kingston Forward: City-wide Rezoning Initiative Kick-off Meeting

Thursday, November 4 at 6 p.m.

Virtual via Zoom. Register here

 

Kingston Forward: City-wide Rezoning Initiative In-person Input Session

Friday, November 5 at 6 p.m.

In-person at City Hall, Council Chambers, 420 Broadway

 

Kingston Forward: City-wide Rezoning Initiative Charrette Week

November 6 – 9, 2021

There will be several opportunities to see the work underway and provide input, including walking tours, stakeholder meetings, and open studio hours. Events and locations will be listed at EngageKingston.com

 

Kingston Forward: City-wide Rezoning Initiative Work-in-Progress Presentation

November 10, 6 p.m.

In-person at Kingston High School auditorium

A summary of the charrette week and ideas so far will be presented for feedback.

  Following the charrette events, the Dover-Kohl team will synthesize the input received and create a draft Form-Based Code. A Form-Based Code is a type of zoning intended to encourage, preserve and restore high-quality public spaces, with a primary emphasis on the physical form of the built environment. The code prescribes key physical details that define a community’s character, such as a building’s massing and orientation to the street. It is anticipated a draft code will be ready for review by spring 2022.

  In addition to the meetings and events, there is a public survey available at www.engagekingston.com/kingston-forward




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