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Kingston, NY - In an effort to enhance the quality of life and give a boost to economic development in the City of Kingston, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Kingston Mayor James Sottile, and other local officials today announced $1,040,000 in new federal funds for the rehabilitation of Uptown Kingston. Hinchey, who secured the money from Congress earlier this year, said the federal aid would be used to help make significant improvements to the uptown Pike Plan and Historic Stockade District, including Wall Street, John Street, and Fair Street.
"These federal funds are critical to our combined efforts to beautify and improve Uptown Kingston in an effort to boost local development by making it more attractive to businesses, residents, and visitors," Hinchey said. "Something special is happening in Uptown Kingston. This new federal allocation is helping to turn the page on a new era for Kingston; an era that will be filled with a more attractive Uptown Kingston, new economic opportunities, and a greater sense of community."
Part of the $1,040,000 that Hinchey secured will be used for streetscaping in Uptown Kingston, including trees, lighting, sidewalks and curb cutting at intersections. Specifically, the funds will assist in the rehabilitation of the Pike Plan and the Historic Stockade District (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) planned by the city, the Pike Plan Commission and the Kingston Uptown Business Association. The redesign of the Pike Plan calls for reconstruction of the portico along Wall Street and facade improvements to the buildings within the Pike Plan.
The city will also reconstruct sidewalks and curbs and install lights and plantings outside of the Pike Plan in the Historic Stockade District. The money that Hinchey secured will help to defray some of the costs of the project associated with sidewalks, curbs, lighting and streetscaping.
"In addition to helping improve Uptown Kingston, with a focus on Wall Street, John Street, and Fair Street, this federal grant will also spare local taxpayers from a significant part of the price tag," Hinchey said. "I will continue to look for ways to bring federal money back to Kingston to continue our efforts to improve the quality of life and bolster economic development in the area."
Hinchey secured the funds for the Uptown Kingston rehabilitation upgrades from Congress as part of the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) measure, which is a major transportation projects bill. The president signed the measure into law in August.
Joining Hinchey and Sottile at the press conference were members of the Kingston Uptown Business Association (KUBA), and members of the Pike Plan Commission.
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