FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 18, 2024

ARPA Business Hardship Grantees Announced

Three Local Businesses to be Awarded $7,500 Grants

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steven T. Noble is pleased to announce that three businesses in the City of Kingston will each receive a $7,500 Business Hardship grant from the City’s federal American Rescue Plan Act: Petalos Floral Design, Headstone Gallery, and Uptown Coffee.

“We are proud of the infrastructure projects that we have been able to undertake with the once-in-a-lifetime infusion of ARPA funding directly into our community. From supporting the major renovation at Dietz stadium, which is now open to the public for daily use, to the ongoing work on Clinton Avenue, which will greatly improve pedestrian access to Uptown Kingston, these projects will improve our city and our lives,” said Mayor Noble. “However, we know that local businesses have been impacted by some of these projects. We want to make sure that our local businesses, which are the lifeblood of our community, can survive these disruptions and are able to thrive once these projects are completed.”

The Business Hardship Grant Program was created to support local small businesses adversely affected by infrastructure projects that were funded, or partially funded, through ARPA, including Post Office Park, Dietz Stadium Improvement Project, Clinton Avenue Intersection Improvements Project, Henry Street Safe Routes to School project, and the city-wide ADA-compliant curb ramps project. Grant funds may be used for: payroll and cost of benefits; rent; mortgage; utilities; payments for installed equipment (e.g., oven, refrigerator); other equipment (e.g., computer, software); product inventory; signage; technical assistance, counseling or other services to assist with business planning needs.

Headstone Gallery’s Chase Folsom said, “The Dietz Stadium Project has enlivened and elevated the quality of life for Kingston. We are grateful for the City's assistance and immediacy with funds for Headstone to continue to thrive in our business of bringing art and community to this corner of our neighborhood.”

Petalos Floral Design’s Brian Tymon said, “Interruptions caused by ARPA-funded projects, though important for the community, can seriously impact a small business’s bottom line. We would like to thank the City of Kingston for creating a grant program to help offset losses and keep the doors of local businesses open.” 

Jenna Benincasa of Uptown Coffee said, “I appreciate the future benefits of enhancing Clinton Avenue, but it has been difficult to operate my business during construction. I truly appreciate the unwavering support and positive vibes of the ARPA team, which is fighting for local small businesses. Thank you to the City of Kingston for acknowledging the impacts of this project and offering the support to continue operating my business.”

For more information about this and other ARPA programs, please visit www.engagekingston.com.