Council approves state grants and budget transfers for Forsyth Barn reconstruction, skate park project

The Kingston Common Council voted 8-0 Tuesday to authorize the mayor to execute agreements and expend funds for two parks projects: reconstruction of the Forsyth Barn (including restrooms) and a skate park funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.

Resolution 71 authorized the mayor to execute an agreement with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and to expend funds in the first instance for the Forsyth Barn Reconstruction with Restrooms project. Resolution 72 authorized the first-instance expenditure of grant funds awarded for the skate park project. Alderman Michelle Hirsch noted the skate park effort has been discussed for approximately five years and expressed support for moving the project forward.

Both resolutions passed by recorded voice vote, 8-0. The council also adopted related budget transfers connected to parks and recreation reconciliations during the same meeting.

What the council approved

- Resolution 71: Authorization to execute grant agreement and expend funds for Forsyth Barn Reconstruction with Restrooms (vote: 8-0). - Resolution 72: Authorization to expend NYS Environmental Protection Fund grant for the skate park project (vote: 8-0).

Next steps

The mayor’s office and appropriate city departments will execute grant agreements and proceed with reconstruction and skate-park planning consistent with the grant terms and procurement rules. No additional local appropriation was recorded in the meeting minutes beyond the authority to expend awarded grant funds and approve related budget transfers.