FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 13, 2022

Midtown Parking Lots Improvements Project Completed

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce that the Midtown Parking Lots Green Infrastructure Project is substantially complete. Tree plantings and final landscaping will be completed in the spring.

The Midtown Parking Lots Green Infrastructure Project included reconstructing three public parking lots using green stormwater infrastructure – the Cornell Street parking lot (by Little Italy), the Prince Street lot (by Monkey Joe) and the lot at 658 Broadway (by the former Sea Deli).

Green infrastructure practices, such as the use of bioswales and porous pavement, prevent untreated stormwater from entering closed drainage systems. By integrating green infrastructure into parking lots and along sidewalks, stormwater can be filtered before the water enters rivers and streams. Stormwater runoff, which can lead to erosion and flooding, can also be reduced.

The Cornell Street lot has a new configuration, which connects Fashion Lane directly to Railroad Avenue. In addition, Thomas Street and Saccoman Lane are now one-ways to provide for better traffic circulation.

“This project supports the City of Kingston’s efforts to help protect the waters of the Rondout Creek and Hudson River by incorporating green practices into new construction projects, while also meeting the need for parking in the heart of the Midtown business district,” said Mayor Noble. “These three lots were in varying degrees of disrepair, and now are not only improved with green infrastructure, are newly paved, striped and beautifully landscaped. We are continuing to invest in the Midtown neighborhood, and encourage residents and visitors to use these newly designed parking lots to shop and dine in Midtown Kingston.”

City Engineer John Schultheis said, “I’d like to thank the professional staff at Greenman Petersen as well as A. Colarusso and Son for their efforts to design and build the project, and the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) for providing the funding.”

The City’s engineering consultants at GPI began developing designs for this project in 2019, and along with City staff, met with a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) made up of community members for input on the project. In addressing the alternatives for each lot, the PAC considered the number of parking spaces, appropriate green infrastructure practices, and parking lot circulation for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Funding for the project came from the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC)’s Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP).

More information at https://engagekingston.com/midtown-parking-lots.