Drew’s Insite into the Rezoning of the Alm’s House Property

I was recently asked about my position on RUPCO’s plan for the Alms House and whether I would favor a rezoning of the property to pave way for the project. 

Below is my full response:

“Kingston, like you I watch the news and shake my head. I ask myself, how can I make a difference? How can I work locally to unify my community?

During his farewell address President Barack Obama, perhaps in anticipation of the events we have been seeing this past week, had a message for people who are disappointed with their elected officials.

“Grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself!” Obama urged the crowd gathered at McCormick Place and the millions of viewers watching on television at home.

I heard President Obama and I am running for Alderman of Ward 7 because I believe in Kingston.

I have lived in Kingston for almost 20 years and I love this city! I have educated and raised my beautiful children here and have helped to successfully develop the Center for Creative Education; an organization that supports the education, health and wellness of our youth and community.

At CCE, our motto is “Arts with a Purpose.” 

I want the same things you do. I want our children to receive a good education in their local schools. I want them to be able to walk to school and after school activities on safe streets. I want to know that my tax dollars are being spent for the betterment of all of Kingston. And I want to wake up on Sunday mornings and hear my neighbor’s lawnmower, not gunshots, bottles breaking and the sounds of violence that so many children are forced to live with. I want this for all Kingston residents.

We are faced with an important decision regarding the Alms House. Like you, I have concerns with what changes a new population could bring. I am a public servant and I believe in equal housing opportunities for all and I recognize the urgent need for services for our elderly.However, I would never sacrifice safety for ideology. 

For the economic health of Kingston, we need to re-zone this property and open it up for growth and development. We need to work together as a community to create a plan for the property that we can all live with. My campaign slogan is “People, not politics,” and the Alms House debate provides us the chance to come together as citizens of Kingston and move towards positive change. 

This discussion is not an easy one to have. There is much fear of change and the idea of any organization coming in and telling us what will be happening in our own backyard.

Change can also be powerful and for the best. I have spent my life working towards positive change within my community. Like you, I want what is best for my family and my community. I need you to speak up, step up and work with me for our voices to be heard. I am confident that if we listen to each other and work together with good will, we can find a solution that will serve this city that we all love.”

I was then asked to clarify if I was in favor of eventually rezoning the property but was against rezoning it for the RUPCO project.  To this I answered: “I am most definitely in favor of rezoning the property.  My answer as to what happens on the property should be based on a collective decision of community members and go through due process.I will say, my research and dealings with RUPCO have always been positive and professional, and with waiting lists in the hundreds at many of our senior housing facilities, I believe more senior housing is what is needed in Kingston.” I want to thank Paul Kirby from the Daily Freeman for reaching out to get my opinions on the proposal and look forward to discussing it further with the City Council and community. Bryant DREW Andrews