Mayor names 9 to Zoning Task Force

KINGSTON, N.Y. >> Mayor Steve Noble has selected nine city residents to serve on a task force that will examine the possibility of overhauling zoning regulations.

In a press release, Noble’s administration says the Zoning Task Force will “explore overhauling existing zoning regulations in the City of Kingston, and will consist of nine volunteers from the City of Kingston each with a unique set of skills and a variety of backgrounds.”

The appointees include Zoning Board Chairman Tony Argulewicz. The others are Tracy Dumigan, Michael Gillard, Sydney Maresca, Karen Markisenis, Rebecca Martin, Liza Sunderlin, Anthony Tampone, and Maisha Tyler.

The release says that the first top priority will be to form an outline.

“The first order of business will be to develop a scope of work using the recommendations from the previous Comprehensive Plan Zoning Sub-Committee, and with support from Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, who has developed a tool kit to prioritize the City’s needs,” the release says. “The Task Force’s early work will lead to the development of a request for proposals, which will be used to solicit planning firms and proposed costs so that it can be presented to the Common Council for funding.”

Officials say the task force will then work alongside the consultant to ensure zoning recommendations are consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

“Zoning issues have long been a challenge” Noble said in the press release. “Putting a system in place that best serves our community will only become more crucial as our City continues to grow.”

“I am confident that we can create a plan that maintains the spirit of our city and supports local business as well,” Noble added.

The first meeting will be Monday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 420 Broadway.

Subsequent meetings and hearings will be available at www.kingston-ny.gov.