KINGSTON'S WATERFRONT

For anyone who hasn't been down to the waterfront in downtown Kingston, I have to urge you to do so one of these weekends. The bulkhead/walkway project that spans from Rosita's Restaurant to Dock Street is finally complete. You're going to be very impressed.

So I took a bunch of pictures this afternoon just to whet your appetite before making the trip. Here are some shots as it was being worked on...

I should point out that much of what we've seen could only have been accomplished with heaps of money through federal and state grants. Most of which (well over $1 Million) was brought to us by our Congressman Maurice Hinchey. DOT funds as well as Brownfield Remediation funds were diverted to this area as well as $200K of the Federal Stimulus money from early this year.

But like most municipal projects funded by taxpayer money, we have to make the investment and development choices that best utilize what has been offered in good faith. This walkway doesn't mark the end of our effort to revitalize our waterfront, it marks the beginning. In the decade to come, our Kingston leaders had better stay focused on the opportunity we've been given.

Here are some shots of the finished product:

SCRUBBING WILBUR: SPRING CLEANING

Wilbur has been scrubbed and swept!

My helper and I spent a little time last week and today, preparing the hamlet of Wilbur for the city's street sweeper. I was worried that the frosty weather was going to force the rig back to the warm garage since it requires water usage. But victory was ours!

We raked enough of the sidewalk debris into the street to give the vacuum a bit of a struggle, but the result is terrific!

Having the sweeper cruise through a neighborhood is nice enough, but if you know the schedule, you can really take advantage of the machinery we've invested in.

I'm thinking the wooded corner of W Pierpont and McEntee this weekend. Any volunteers?

It's marshy, so waterproof boots are required and I'll be separating the recyclables from the trash.

Happy Spring!

WILBUR COMMERCIAL NOISE

Down in the Hamlet of Wilbur, a seemingly forgotten area by my fellow City of Kingston comrades, there is still the remnants of a bygone era of barge and ship repair in operation.

Feeney’s Boat Yard has been operating here along the Rondout for decades, with little or no impact on the neighborhood around it; until lately.

The recent intensity of their repair schedule has pushed the crew to work later hours and sometimes through the night. I heard they were rushing to satisfy a government contract on time. Problem is, their work creates noise. Loud noise.

The pounding of steel and shifting of materials through the yard has cuased the firm to consider building a more insulated metal building along Abeel Street. Though closer to the road, it is expected to dampen the banging associated with their work.

The Building Dept has cautioned them on the noise ordinance several times and at times, the decibels dwindle, but then hot nights and open windows prompt the public outcry as the 3rd shift carries out their duties.

The building’s foundation is done, the metal ordered, and the planning Board has signed off on the plan. Yellow walls, blue roof, and landscaping will be something to see, but will it settle the noise problem? We will have a neighborhood meeting specific to these neighbors needs late November to assess their success.

RONDOUT CHANNEL TRAFFIC FLOW

The Thursday night Laws & Rules meeting was one to remember. The Conference room was standing room only. 40 plus people filed in at 7pm to witness the fireworks between two groups who both believe they are working for the betterment of Kingston.

I commend both Rob Iannucci and Mike Bernholz for the large amount of time and money invested in our precious waterfront. But the argument over docks and channel navigation took over two hours before AnnMarie DiBella called for a vote, which yielded the motion to table for next month.

The volley of accusations between the parties did not make a light evening out of this dilemma.

The channel, located between Island Dock and the city bulkhead along Dock Street has navigation issues that, until defined more clearly, pose a threat to the funding Iannucci is seeking for the impending development plans he intends to offer the city.

Bernholz insists his use of channel encroachment is grandfathered in and the city should resist legislating his current use. Where is the middle ground?

The City of Kingston is placing a lot of faith in our friend Iannucci, while he buys up significant acres of waterfront property without any plans, however, he is also responsible for cleaning up brownfields, and oil tank removals, as well as renovating some existing structures. All a huge positive.

Bernhols long history of providing dock space for an increasing population of leisure boaters has helped the tourism industry in an area that was once an unwanted death trap. He has a worthy status as a pioneer.

I rather like the idea of implementing the proposed channel use minimums to help with Robs finance speculation, with the intent to implement the Hideaway docking modifications when planning board approval is offered years from now.

Lets see what Bob Senor brings to Laws & Rules next month when he has had enough time to work with Rob and Mike toward a compromise. Enough of the petty infighting. Lets see this area developed already!