Port of Kingston seeking input on property development

Published 1:18 pm Wednesday, September 11, 2013

KINGSTON — Port of Kingston employees want to hear ideas regarding the development of two recently acquired properties.

A survey can be found at www.pokproperty.com, where anyone can provide input into the future use of the Kingston Inn and land near its boat launch. The survey deadline is Sept. 20.

“We want to hear from everyone,” said Jessica Olanie, the port’s assistant business manager.

There are limitations. For example, the gifted .35-acre lot on Washington Boulevard that was the Kingston Inn must be a park, which is stated in a memorandum of understanding. And the two lots — just under one acre — on West Kingston Road is between two private residences; so the port will be respectful, Olanie said.

“We’re not going to put a roller coaster in there,” Olanie said jokingly.

Though hearing from tax-payers is preferred, a “vast majority” of people using the park on Washington Boulevard is likely to be people from out of town. That includes people waiting for the ferry, Olanie said.

The survey is six questions and takes under one minute to complete, Olanie said.

A meeting to discuss potential development and amenities at both properties will be held at the Kingston Cove Yacht Club Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

Work on both properties is already underway, including clearing and hydro-seeding. Port staff will write grants to aid in development, Olanie said.

Depending on the port’s budget, Olanie said port staff hope to see the properties usable by next year.