Suzanne Cahill

This speech by the Majority Leader of the Kingston Common Council outlines the strategic priorities for 2026. Key areas of focus include enhancing housing affordability and stability through updated tax abatements, stronger tenant protections, and increased development of genuinely affordable housing while curbing short-term rentals. Other priorities encompass careful management of city assets, advancing public and street safety initiatives like Vision Zero, strengthening environmental protections, modernizing city codes, and undertaking a comprehensive review of the City Charter. The plan also emphasizes fostering community trust and supporting residents amidst federal changes and immigration enforcement.

The meeting agenda included general business items, such as setting guidelines for public comment submission prior to the meeting and noting that all votes would be roll call votes due to transcription capabilities. Key discussion points during the public hearing involved a review of the potential for Local, State, and National Listing Eligibility for the property at #207 Delaware Ave (J. N. Cordts Company Engine No. 8 House). New business included a request for an extension on the 2025 approval for the construction of a new 6-unit residential building at #105 Abeel St. The commission also addressed an update to the New York State & National Register of Historic Places Nomination for the Senate House State Historic Site (#312 Fair St). A committee report on the Historic Preservation Award Program update was also scheduled.

Key discussion topics included administrative matters such as reviewing the meeting schedule, specifically considering a move for the March meeting due to a commissioner's absence, and nominating a slate of officers for Commission Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and various subcommittee roles. A significant portion of the agenda involved brainstorming for the 2026 Action Plan, referencing existing documents for 2025 potential projects and the 2025 Draft Report. Communications included an update on the UC Community Health Assessment.

This Strategic Community and Economic Development Plan (SCED Plan) serves as a status update and action plan for the strategies outlined in the Kingston 2025 Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted in 2016. The plan identifies four priority areas: increasing the supply of quality housing units, enhancing community resiliency, improving access to living wage jobs, and promoting complete streets. It details how these priorities align with the broader goals of the Kingston 2025 Comprehensive Plan, which include sustainable land use, neighborhood maintenance, open space preservation, economic vitality, transportation system enhancement, historic preservation, infrastructure investment, and cultural development.

The meeting included discussions on the Comptroller's Update, a budget transfer request from the Department of Public Works, a Water Department Tax Levy Request, a Rondout Lighthouse Electric Restoration Bond Request, a budget amendment for a part-time rec leader, and a budget transfer request from the Clerk's Office. Old business included discussion of the 2026 Proposed Fee Schedule.