FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2026
Mayor Noble Announces City-owned Surplus Property Auction to Be Held on July 17, 2026
KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce that the City of Kingston will conduct a public auction for two City-owned surplus properties on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00am at Kingston City Hall in Council Chambers.
Mayor Noble said, “The two properties that will be auctioned in July were among the City’s first acquisitions through Article 19-A, which allows a municipality to acquire abandoned residential buildings. I am excited to see these properties return to the tax roll, be given new life, and become positive assets to the surrounding neighbors and community.”
The two city-owned properties that will be sold to qualified bidders at the July 17 public auction are:
- 305 Lucas (56.88-5-39), a single-family residential property. Starting bid at auction will be $134,334.66. An Open House will be held on June 26 from 9:00am-10:00am.
- 55 W Chester (56.34-6-34), a two-family residential property. Starting bid at auction will be $205,250.46. An Open House will be held on June 26 from 11:00am-12:00pm.
Both properties were acquired by City of Kingston via Article 19-A of the New York Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law (RPAPL). According to the City of Kington’s disposition policy for surplus properties, both properties will be auctioned. The disposition policy was most recently edited by the Common Council in 2025 to account for acquisitions of property under Article 19-A.
The following terms and conditions have been set for the auction:
- 10% payable at the submission of bid on July 17 by certified check or cash, with the remainder due at closing;
- Purchaser shall be responsible for all filing and recording fees;
- The property will be sold as is, with no guarantees;
- The highest bidder will be presented to the Kington Common Council for approval. Upon approval, the Housing Office will advise the individual of the necessary information needed to complete the property transfer. The successful purchaser will be responsible for all filing fees and will have 60 days from notification to complete the transaction. Upon receipt of all monies, and signing of the closing document by the purchaser and the Mayor, the Corporation Counsel Office will prepare a quitclaim deed;
- The properties listed were acquired by the City of Kingston via Article 19-A, a special proceeding to convey title to an abandoned dwelling to a municipality. It is highly recommended that interested bidders seek legal advice about purchasing this type of property prior to submitting bids. The City of Kingston cannot provide legal advice;
- Except as noted in this notice, interested purchasers may view the property from the street. Absolutely no entry onto the property or into the structure allowed;
- The City of Kingston reserves the right to reject all bids received;
- The City of Kingston reserves the right to change the starting bid;
- For all properties listed, the City of Kingston will require a separate fixed payment of $5,000.00 for administrative costs at closing, or an amount prescribed in the most recent City of Kingston Fee Schedule for properties acquired through the 19-A abandonment foreclosure process.
The public auction notice can be found at https://kingston-ny.gov/filestorage/8399/8469/48370/Public_Notice_-_City_of_Kingston_Auction.pdf
The auction will be managed by the Office of Housing Initiatives. Questions can be directed to [email protected] or 845-334-3928.
More information about City of Kingston surplus properties can be found at https://engagekingston.com/surplus-properties.