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Kingston staff reports on completed street work, signals and bike-lane hardware; DPW raises maintenance constraints
Summary
City transportation staff reported completion of the 1 Avenue project and ongoing design and right-of-way work on Flatbush–Fox Hall. Members discussed Clinton Avenue signal timing, leading pedestrian intervals, bike-lane flex posts that were rejected for maintenance reasons, and unresolved county bus shelter money.
City transportation staff briefed the Complete Streets Advisory Council on recently completed construction and on operational issues tied to new street hardware and maintenance.
Staff reported the 1 Avenue project — including two new traffic signals, new sidewalks, ramps, landscaping and lighting — is for all practical purposes complete with only punch-list items remaining. The Clinton Avenue work has calmed traffic and staff said the configuration appears to have drawn additional traffic; they also acknowledged peak-hour challenges and said they will monitor and adjust signal timing as needed.
Members raised safety issues at a new crossing where pedestrian signals appear to coincide with green vehicle movements. Staff said the controller and timing investments include leading pedestrian intervals on Broadway and that they will verify programming at the Clinton crossing. John Schultz, who gave project updates, said, “I’m pretty happy with the outcome there,” referring to Clinton Avenue improvements but acknowledged the need to fine-tune signals and signage.
Council members also discussed tactical urbanism ideas such as seasonal removable flex posts to protect bike lanes. Staff explained the department of public works has operational constraints: seasonal installation and removal require staff time, and standard street-sweeper widths and bioswale maintenance limit where removable posts can be placed. Staff reported DPW raised concerns about storage, replacement costs and the ability to sweep or plow where posts are installed.
Separately, members asked about two bus shelters reportedly offered through an Ulster County allocation; staff said the city had no record of an order or of spending and will follow up with county contacts to determine whether money or materials remain available.
Council members agreed to continue tracking construction punch-list items, signal timing changes and DPW maintenance constraints while pursuing low-cost “tactical” measures the city can deliver given staffing and equipment limits.
