FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 29, 2023

Final Architectural Survey of Wilbur and Ponckhockie Neighborhoods Now Available

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce that the final draft of the Wilbur and Ponckhockie Neighborhood Architectural Surveys have been completed, and is available at Engage Kingston.

The report is an intensive level, historic, and cultural survey and analysis that represents the first step in potentially listing the two areas, or individual properties, on the State and National Register of Historic Places.

In July 2021, the City of Kingston’s Planning Department received a grant from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to conduct surveys of the Wilbur and Ponckhockie neighborhoods. The CLG Intensive Level Survey Work for Wilbur and Ponckhockie, which was prepared by Archaeology & Historic Resource Services, LLC (AHRS) in conjunction with a Project Advisory Committee, will serve as the basis for developing an asset preservation plan for these historic areas.

After the draft architectural and archeological sensitivity report was released in June 2023, neighborhood meetings were held in both Wilbur and Ponckhockie to share the information and obtain feedback from the residents of those areas.  Additionally, the State has reviewed the work produced by the consultants and after all comments were taken, the report has been finalized. 

“We are pleased to release this study, which was the first step in listing these historically significant communities to the historic registry,” said Mayor Noble. “With the completion of this report, we can now begin to look for funding for the next step-- to engage a consultant to conduct the research needed to have the properties and districts nominated for listing. I thank the City Planning Office for their hard work and diligence in working to preserve the unique historic assets in these key areas.”

“We are excited to have this step in the process completed and that the neighborhoods are embracing the work done by AHRS,” said City Planner Suzanne Cahill. “It is important that we work as a community to preserve our historical assets and we are looking forward to taking the next steps together to preserve these assets so that they are available for future generations.” 

Funding for the Architectural Survey was provided by a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) Sub-Grant/Certified Local Government (CLG).

The Project Advisory Committee is made up of neighborhood residents, a Friends of Historic Kingston representative, the Council Members representing these neighborhoods, the City of Kingston Historian, and a representative from the both the Historic Landmark Preservation and Heritage Area Commissions.

The City of Kingston currently has four historic districts: the Stockade District, the Fair Street District, the Rondout-West Strand District, and the Chestnut Street District.

For more information, please visit: www.engagekingston.com/historic-survey.