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Kingston approves acceptance of former Irish Cultural Center parcels despite concerns over cost
Summary
Council voted 7–1 to authorize the mayor to accept two parcels (32 & 33 Abbeal Street) donated by the Irish Cultural Center; one alderman warned taxpayers may bear remediation costs and called for transparency.
The Kingston Common Council voted 7–1 on June 2 to authorize the mayor to accept two donated parcels at 32 and 33 Abbeal Street, parcels listed in the resolution, despite concern from one alderman about potential costs to taxpayers.
Alderwoman Terrell Mickens said the council would authorize the mayor to execute required documents "subject to the council's stated conditions," and described site visits, preliminary cost estimates and legal review that led her to support the measure while acknowledging the process had been "frustrating and communication minimal." She said the parcels could support future public benefits including housing or community amenities.
Alderman Mike Ham warned the city needs "complete transparency regarding any public funds committed to the former Irish Cultural Center at 32 Of Beale Street," and urged independent financial review and clarity about long‑term liabilities. Ham announced he would vote no.
Other aldermen described the site as a rare opportunity to secure waterfront, shovel‑ready parcels and noted prior investments in the property, including purchase and site work costs cited in the record. After discussion, the council adopted the resolution 7 to 1; the clerk identified Alderman Ham as the sole dissent.
The resolution authorizes the mayor to execute documents to accept the deeded parcels (parcel numbers listed in the resolution). Council members said preliminary engineering estimates for securing the site were considered acceptable, but they asked staff to provide additional details during implementation.
