It’s time to move the Kingstonian project forward

Dear Editor,

After attending the recent public hearing on the Kingstonian, I want to applaud the community for coming out to support this vitally important project. Most notable and impressive to me was the amount of diversity displayed, as literally every aspect of our community was represented. There were ministers, executive directors of nonprofits, business owners, homeowners, contractors, bank executives, teachers, labor representation, retirees and seniors, just to name a few. This theme was also represented by the speakers, as each one spoke to the aspects of the project that were most important to them, be it parking, affordable housing, employment opportunities, additional revenue to the city, construction jobs, ADA compliance, no impact to taxpayers, public restrooms, public plaza, etc.

The Freeman accurately pointed out that only six speakers spoke in opposition were not tied in some way to Gottlieb Real Estate or the legal challenges, but what also should be noted is that only three of the speakers in opposition even live in Kingston, and one of the three works for Gottlieb’s paid traffic consultant.

This process has gone on long enough. We cannot allow our city to be held back by the special interests of a New York developer and a small group of detractors. The motives of the out-of-town developer with all of the vacant storefronts Uptown is clear, and the people of Kingston have spoken. This process has gone on far too long and has cost the city taxpayers enough money already. Let us move this through and start enjoying the many benefits and additional revenue this project brings.

Ron Woods Kingston, N.Y.