Currently, the City of Kingston uses the AMI or (Area Median Income) to determine what the Rental Market Rate should be, based on those figures, which as of 2025, are as follows:
 

• 80% of the Area Media Income, used to define the limit for “affordable” rents, rose to $67,100 for one person, up from $62,550 in 2024, an increase of $4,550.

• The Area Median Income for one person in the Kingston Metropolitan Area, which is defined as the entirety of Ulster County, is $83,900 — HUD numbers for 2025 show, up from $78,200 in 2024, or $5,700 more.

• For a family of four, the AMI is now $119,800, up from $117,200 in 2024, or $2,600 more.
   

The federal formulas for rent are based on a person not spending more than 30% of their annual income on rent. The City of Kingston uses 80% AMI to define a unit as affordable under its form-based zoning code. Please note, as per the City of Kingston and our current Aldermen and Alderwomen, they believe that the average single person in the City earns $67,100.00 or $1290.00 weekly, which is completely false.
 

During the two debates that I had with Mayor Noble, he noted that the largest number of job opportunities are in the Hospitality and Retail Business, which is certainly not representative of these grossly exaggerated incomes. As a result of the surge of new Residents relocating to the City from the Metropolitan area, that has dramatically, and falsely increased the AMI.

 

Additionally, even if we use these inflated figures, any and all new Housing Projects will only be required to offer 10% of the units as affordable, and 90% will be offered at Market Rate.

As we are aware, a drive through the Broadway corridor presents itself with a significant number of homeless, public intoxication, as well as a very serious opioid crisis throughout the Midtown area, which has caused a dramatic increase in violent crime.

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While there are funds available, it is evident that the Mayor and the Common Council continue to ignore this issue, which worsens daily. While we never hear from our elected officials, there are programs available to help with this extremely serious situation.

 

Funding is available to New York State cities to combat the opioid crisis, primarily through the state's Opioid Settlement Fund. Funds are distributed via several mechanisms to municipalities and community organizations for a range of programs, through New York's opioid settlement fund. New York State is receiving over $2 billion from settlements with opioid manufacturers and distributors.

 

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) oversees the distribution of a significant portion of this money through the Opioid Settlement Fund (OSF). Funds are intended to support addiction prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery initiatives.

Following the creation of the existing City Streetscape, we have had an unprecedented number of cyclist and pedestrian injuries and fatalities, with a statistically worse safety record than NYC. Kingston, NY has experienced a notable increase in bicycle fatalities since late 2020, with at least five separate incidents resulting in the deaths of cyclists between November 2020 and December 2022, in addition to one pedestrian death in January 2023.

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These events include the deaths of:

• Darryl Savage (November 2020)

• John Lynch (July 2021)

• Devin Griffiths (September 2021)

• Christine Tarasco (December 2022)
   

The city's rate of fatal bike accidents has been called unusually high compared to both National and New York City averages.

 

Even with the 25 mph speed limit, there are still extremely dangerous issues that must be addressed, including the high-speed scooters and e-bikes, many of which ride recklessly throughout the city without any consequence.

Following a public warning by Comptroller John Tuey, after an 8.9% Budget increase, I would move that the Common Council seek an independent accounting firm to perform a forensic audit of the City’s finances and budget.

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With the likelihood of another 2.9% increase in 2026, as well as another tax increase, I will fight on every resident’s behalf.

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It is imperative that the Council identify any and all unnecessary spending as quickly as possible and eliminate it.

During Common Council meetings, public comment is restricted to 3 minutes, without any interaction from the members.

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I would introduce a resolution that would create fully interactive meetings between the Council and the public. As elected officials, I believe that the Council needs to be publicly accountable.

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Additionally, I would also introduce a resolution that would allow public comment on both the City of Kingston’s Facebook page as well as the Mayor’s.

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While the Pike Plan Canopy demolition looms, wether for or against its removal, isn't as important as our Community having a voice. I would immediately propose a Public Referendum, so that every Resident has a voice.

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As a Candidate for Alderman of Ward 9, I created the Kingston United Party Line, because working Together is Always better, regardless of Political Party affiliation. I look forward to serving Ward 9, and I thank everyone in advance for your support.

 

On a final note, once I am Elected, this is the way I will communicate with every Resident of Ward 9, to keep every Ward 9 resident updated.