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Commission updates on EV chargers: level‑2 site selected, curbside program under review

3665828 · May 29, 2025
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Summary

The commission reported progress on two EV-infrastructure grants — a level‑2 charger bid for East Stadium and an active curbside charger evaluation by a vendor funded by NYSERDA — while a fast‑charger contract remains unsigned after extended delays.

Climate Smart Kingston members reviewed EV‑charging infrastructure work at the May 28 meeting.

Staff reported two active grant efforts: (1) a level‑2 charger installation planned for East Stadium (public), with bids due in June; and (2) a state‑funded curbside charger pilot funded through a vendor (transcript refers to VaultPost/BoltPost) that is evaluating locations along the Strand and near the Maritime Museum. Staff said curbside chargers would mount to existing streetlight conduits where feasible and that an electrician will perform on‑site capacity checks before site selection is finalized. The commission noted proposed sites should avoid bike‑trail obstructions and decorative lamppost configurations.

A federal/state fast‑charger grant was discussed; staff said the related contract remains unsigned and may require an extension before execution. The commission also reported a planned level‑3 fast charger at the DOT parking lot under the bridge and that a transformer upgrade at Gallo Park could affect charger siting — staff recommended coordinating utility upgrades to avoid rework.

Members discussed public access and pricing: the city generally follows county pricing conventions for publicly owned chargers and may accept lower-cost or free charging to promote adoption, acknowledging that free curbside charging can become expensive if usage and maintenance make it unsustainable. Staff said the city pursues funding through recurring state programs and will continue applying as programs reopen.

Status: site evaluations continue, the East Stadium level‑2 bid process is open, and staff will coordinate transformer and distribution upgrades where needed before final charger installation.