FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 14, 2019

PIKE PLAN SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN

Public Comment Survey and Property Owner Survey are Completed

KINGSTON, NY – The results from the Pike Plan Public Survey, which was conducted by the City of Kingston through Survey Monkey and paper ballot, are in. There was an overwhelming response with 628 people participating in the survey from February 25-March 8, 2019. 

Out of the 628 responders to the Pike Plan Public Survey, 77% are in favor of repairing and rebuilding the Pike Plan canopies, while 23% favored tearing them down and repairing the facades. Many of the comments in favor of keeping the canopies reference the charm, character and uniqueness to Kingston as well as protection from the elements. Several warned of making the same mistake as tearing down the old Post Office. Many of the comments in favor of teardown include ongoing, persistent structural problems, the look of an old Western, and not being historic to Uptown’s architecture. 

On February 26, 2019, the City of Kingston mailed out letters to each of the 45 property owners who have Pike Plan easements. The letter contained individual links to the online survey, which gave the option of being anonymous. Seven of the 45 property owners used their unique links to take the survey, eleven more identified themselves as property owners on the public survey, and one property owner submitted an anonymous written comment. 

Of the 19 property owners participating in the survey, 74% (14) are in favor of tearing down the Pike Plan canopies and repairing the facades. Many comments in favor of teardown mention more natural light and better visibility of the storefronts, as well as ongoing issues with water drainage and poor construction. The remaining 26% (5) were in favor of repairing and keeping the Pike Plan canopies. Comments for keeping the canopies include charm and uniqueness to Kingston, as well as concerns about business owners removing snow and maintaining sidewalks. 

“I want to thank all of our engaged community members who participated in the survey. We wanted to make sure we gave the public a say, and to hear as many voices as possible,” said Mayor Steve Noble. “I presented the results from both surveys at the Common Council Finance and Audit Committee meeting on Wednesday night, and the Council will now take all the comments into consideration before making their decision.”

The Common Council Finance and Audit Committee will reconvene to discuss their final conclusion about the Pike Plan canopies on April 1, 2019 at 6:30pm.