Kingston Council to Vote on Pike Plan Settlements

The Kingston Common Council is set to vote in February on settlements with four buildings located under the Pike Plan canopies. These settlements, totaling $110,440, involve businesses on North Front Street and Wall Street. The buildings are not owned by William Gottlieb Real Estate, which has filed multiple lawsuits against the city to prevent the demolition of the canopies. The settlements include $23,460 for 40 North Front Street, $23,900 for 42 North Front Street, $35,680 for 53 North Front Street, and $27,400 for 302 Wall Street, as reported by the Daily Freeman.

The council’s Finance and Audit Committee approved the proposal with a 4-1 vote, with Teryl Mickens, D-Ward 5, opposing it. The settlements are linked to recent damages near these buildings before the demolition of the canopies began on January 7. The city has not disclosed the reasons for these settlements, but they are based on the "deed frontage" of each building, according to Summer Smith, the city’s director of communications and community engagement.

The demolition project has faced legal challenges, including six lawsuits from William Gottlieb Real Estate. Recently, a state Supreme Court judge dismissed two of these lawsuits, affirming the city’s compliance with environmental regulations, as noted by the Daily Freeman. The demolition, which began in early January, is expected to be completed by March 13, just before the Pike Plan's 50th anniversary.