Kingston
Local news and civic information for Kingston, New York
Latest News
Governor Hochul Announces $10 Million for Cardiac Care Expansion in South Bronx
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a significant investment of nearly $10 million to complete the construction of a new cardiac catheterization lab at Lincoln Hospital, located in the south Bronx. This initiative aims to enhance access to critical and lifesaving heart care services for residents in the area. The funding is part of Governor Hochul's broader efforts to improve healthcare accessibility across New York State without increasing taxes on citizens.
Judge Approves New York's Ban on ICE Agreements While Blocking Mask Ban
A federal judge in the Northern District of New York has ruled that New York State’s ban on formal agreements between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements, is lawful. The ruling supports the state's argument that such bans are necessary to protect public welfare and manage local resources effectively. However, the judge also blocked a provision in the law prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks. Additionally, Governor Kathy Hochul signed several immigration protection measures into law as part of the state budget, including prohibitions on local jails holding individuals for ICE and banning formal agreements with ICE.
Kingston Seeks Development Proposals for City-Owned Land
The City of Kingston is seeking proposals from qualified entities to develop city-owned land. Mayor Steve Noble has recently accepted submissions for these development ideas. The initiative aims to explore various possibilities for the underutilized properties, encouraging community input and innovative solutions.
Budget Car Rental Offers Discount Rates and Deals
Budget Car Rental provides customers with the opportunity to book vehicles at discounted rates. The company offers various vehicle types including sedans, SUVs, trucks, and electric vehicles (EVs). To access these discounts, users are encouraged to sign into their Budget account or create a new one if they do not already have an account. Signing in also grants access to additional benefits such as the best rate guarantee and free upgrade options when available. However, certain conditions apply, including exclusions for package rates, pre-negotiated rates, and discounts obtained through other means.
Former Mayor's Legacy and Legal Battles in New Albany
The letter to the editor discusses former Mayor Bob Real of New Albany leaving behind $4 million for sewage improvements. However, his successor initiated a prolonged legal battle with federal authorities over these funds. This conflict was only resolved when a female mayor took office and ended the litigation, leading to the correction of the sewage issues without any suspicion of corruption or kickbacks.
Cost of Living Comparison Between Kingston and New York City
A cost comparison between Kingston, NY and New York City reveals significant differences in living expenses. For a single person with rent, monthly costs are $3,081 in Kingston versus $4,792 in New York City. Couples can expect to spend approximately $4,526 per month in Kingston compared to $6,961 in New York City. A family of three would incur roughly $5,971 monthly costs in Kingston and $9,130 in New York City. Housing and childcare expenses are notably lower in Kingston, making it a more practical choice for families. Additionally, the cost of dining out, groceries, and transportation is generally cheaper in Kingston than in New York City.
Anniston City Council Reviews $51.76 Million Budget and Approves Development Measures
The Anniston City Council reviewed the city manager's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget of approximately $51.76 million during a work session on August 4, 2026. Finance Director Jessica Leonard presented the budget, which includes about $50.1 million in anticipated revenue and an additional $1.66 million from accumulated fund balance reserves for one-time expenditures such as paving, vehicles, equipment, and facility improvements. The proposed budget maintains a minimum fund balance of 17% of general fund expenditures, equivalent to around $8.5 million. Public safety spending represents about 35% of the total budget, with approximately $10.2 million allocated for the Anniston Police Department and $7.8 million for the Fire Department. The council also approved development measures related to transportation services, downtown sidewalk repairs, property maintenance bids, redevelopment at McClellan, and proposed billboard regulations.
Judge Approves New York's ICE Ban but Blocks Mask Prohibition
A federal judge has ruled that New York State’s ban on agreements between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements, is lawful. The decision supports the state's argument that such bans are necessary to protect public welfare and manage resources effectively. However, the judge also blocked a provision in the law prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks. Additionally, Governor Kathy Hochul signed several immigration protection measures into law, including prohibitions against local jails holding individuals on behalf of ICE and banning formal agreements with ICE. These actions were part of New York's recently passed state budget, which includes provisions to address high utility costs by enacting new reporting requirements for utilities seeking rate hikes and enabling the Public Service Commission to install an independent affordability monitor if a rate request exceeds 3%.
Governor Hochul's Budget Aims for Universal Child Care and Cost Reductions
In her FY 2027 Executive Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul aims to fund universal child care without increasing taxes. The budget also includes measures to eliminate distractions in schools by enacting statewide restrictions on smartphone use during school hours starting September 2025. Additionally, the governor sent inflation refund checks up to $400 to over eight million households across New York State in fall 2025. Governor Hochul's initiatives focus on making life more affordable and expanding opportunities for all New Yorkers.
Ulster Strong Launches '2.0' Initiative for Economic Growth
Ulster Strong co-chair Don Tallerman and Ulster County executive Jen Metzger addressed a gathering in Kingston's Rondout district to launch the coalition’s “Ulster Strong 2.0” initiative, aimed at promoting regional economic growth. The event highlighted new county-level funding streams for small businesses, including revitalized standard revolving funds ranging from $7,500 to $1 million. Attendees included local government officials and business leaders who discussed strategies for targeted development along key transit corridors such as Routes 28, 32, and 209, emphasizing the need to preserve natural environments while fostering economic opportunities.
Cost of Living Comparison Between Kingston and New York City
A cost comparison between Kingston, NY and New York City reveals that living in Kingston is significantly more affordable. For a single person with rent, monthly costs are $3,081 in Kingston versus $4,792 in New York City. Couples can save even more, with estimated monthly costs of $4,526 in Kingston compared to $6,961 in the city. Families of three fare better too, spending around $5,971 per month in Kingston as opposed to $9,130 in New York City. The cost difference is largely due to lower expenses for sports and entertainment in Kingston. Both cities are pricier than the global median, but Kingston stands at 127% above while New York City is 253% above. Food costs vary; for instance, a meal at a budget restaurant is nearly identical in both places, but a three-course dinner for two is much cheaper in Kingston ($81.10) compared to $141 in New York City.
Anniston City Council Reviews $51.76 Million Budget and Approves Development Measures
The Anniston City Council reviewed the city manager's proposed fiscal year 2027 budget of approximately $51.76 million during a work session on August 4, 2026. Finance Director Jessica Leonard presented the budget, which includes around $50.1 million in anticipated revenue and an estimated $8.5 million fund balance reserve. The proposed budget does not include any new taxes or property tax rate increases, with sales taxes accounting for about three-quarters of general fund revenue. Public safety spending represents approximately 35% of the proposed expenditures, including $10.2 million for the Anniston Police Department and $7.8 million for the Fire Department. The council also approved development measures during its formal meeting.
Judge Approves New York's Ban on ICE Agreements While Blocking Mask Ban
A federal judge has ruled that New York State can ban formal agreements between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements, while blocking a provision that prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks. Governor Kathy Hochul signed several immigration protection measures into law as part of the state budget, including prohibitions on local jails holding individuals for ICE and bans on formal agreements with ICE. The ruling supports New York's stance that banning 287(g) agreements is an appropriate means to protect public welfare and manage state resources effectively.
Kingston Housing Authority Begins $112 Million Redevelopment Project
The Kingston Housing Authority has commenced a major redevelopment project worth $112 million. This initiative involves three properties and will include the rehabilitation of two existing apartment complexes, Colonial Gardens and Wiltwyck Gardens, built in the 1970s. Additionally, Penn Court, a 32-unit complex, will be demolished to make way for an 80-unit senior housing facility. The new development aims to provide thirty units as supportive housing for formerly homeless seniors and nineteen specially designed units for residents with impairments or disabilities.
Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani Announce Inaugural 2-K Class for NYC Families
Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Mamdani have announced that over 2,000 children in New York City have received offers to join the inaugural 2-K class. This program provides free childcare for families, marking a significant step towards universal access to early childhood education. The initiative aims to support working parents by offering quality care and educational opportunities for young children.
Governor Hochul Announces $112 Million Kingston Housing Authority Redevelopment
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the start of construction on a $112 million redevelopment project for the Kingston Housing Authority. The initiative includes rehabilitating 158 existing apartments at Colonial Gardens and Wiltwyck Gardens, replacing the aging Penn Court development with an 80-unit building for seniors (including 30 supportive units), and expanding housing opportunities for vulnerable populations. This comprehensive redevelopment aims to modernize public housing while preserving affordability for households earning up to 100% of the Area Median Income. The project aligns with Governor Hochul's broader $25 billion five-year Housing Plan, which seeks to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.
Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani Announce Inaugural Free Childcare Class for Over 2000 NYC Children
Governor Kathy Hochul and Kingston's Mayor Mamdani have announced that over 2,000 children in New York City will receive offers to join the inaugural free childcare class. This initiative is part of Governor Hochul's broader agenda to make life more affordable for all New Yorkers and includes significant investments without increasing taxes on residents. The program aims to provide universal child care, reflecting the governor’s commitment to expanding opportunities and making essential services accessible to families.
Kingston Housing Authority Breaks Ground on 238-Unit Redevelopment Project
Governor Kathy Hochul joined officials to break ground on Phase II of the Kingston Housing Authority Redevelopment project in Ulster County. The $135 million initiative will modernize two aging public housing developments, Colonial Gardens and Wiltwyck Gardens, with a total of 158 units. Additionally, it will replace the obsolete Penn Court development with an 80-unit building reserved for seniors. Financing sources include New York State Homes and Community Renewal providing $35 million in program funding, federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits generating nearly $58 million in equity, and Ulster County contributing $700,000 through its Housing Action Grant Program. The project also includes supportive housing for formerly homeless seniors and accessibility features for households with mobility impairments.
Judge Approves New York's Ban on ICE Agreements, Blocks Mask Ban
A federal judge has ruled that New York State can ban formal agreements between local governments and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), known as 287(g) agreements, while blocking a provision that prohibits ICE agents from wearing masks in public. The ruling supports the state's argument that banning these agreements is necessary to protect public welfare and manage state resources effectively. Governor Kathy Hochul signed several immigration protection measures into law as part of the state budget, including prohibitions on local jails holding individuals for ICE and formal agreements with ICE.
Construction Begins on $112M Housing Redevelopment in Kingston
The construction of a multi-phase housing redevelopment project in Kingston has commenced. The project aims to expand affordable housing opportunities for seniors by rehabilitating existing apartments and constructing new ones, with a total investment of $112 million. Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the state's commitment to making New York more affordable through modern, sustainable homes. Mayor Steve Noble praised the initiative as crucial for community development and support for vulnerable residents. The Kingston Housing Authority (KHA) project includes rehabilitating 158 existing apartments at Colonial Gardens and Wiltwyck Gardens, replacing Penn Court with 80 new senior units, and adapting some units for those with mobility or sensory impairments.
Upcoming Meetings
Kingston Common Council Regular Meeting
📅 2026-04-12 · 🕐 7:30 PM
📍 Kingston City Hall, 420 Broadway
Kingston Planning Board
📅 2026-04-26 · 🕐 6:00 PM
📍 Kingston City Hall, Conference Room B