The Kingston Community Development Advisory Board meeting on January 6, 2025, spotlighted a significant housing project aimed at revitalizing a long-vacant lot in downtown Kingston. Council members expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to address the pressing need for housing in the area.

One council member, reflecting on personal ties to the neighborhood, highlighted the emotional weight of the vacant property, which has remained unchanged since 1976. "This gives us a chance to rebuild downtown," they stated, underscoring the importance of transforming the space into a vibrant community hub. The council member noted that local business owners largely view the project positively, anticipating that increased foot traffic will benefit their enterprises.

However, the discussion also touched on the historical context of urban renewal in Kingston, with concerns raised about the displacement of families during past redevelopment efforts. Another council member urged the board to prioritize the voices of those affected, particularly the 361 families and 94 businesses displaced in previous urban renewal projects, a third of whom were Black. "We need to make reparations for what happened here," they asserted, calling for a thoughtful approach to ensure that the new development serves the community's needs.

The meeting concluded with a resolution authorizing the adoption of findings related to the proposed condemnation of 42 tax parcels for the project. The council members expressed optimism about the initiative, with one remarking, "This is something for the common good." As the project moves forward, the council aims to maintain transparency and engage with the community to address any concerns, hoping to replicate the success seen with other recent developments in the area.