KINGSTON, N.Y. - s4story -- The new President of the Kingston Midtown Business Alliance, Bill Cranston, announced the launch of Changing the Lens, a communications effort that will aim to shift how the public perceives the three-fourth square mile neighborhood and commercial corridors flanking both sides of Broadway between Uptown and Downtown.

Speaking Friday evening to a gathering of members and guests, Bill Cranston, a Kingston resident and Midtown business owner of Boulevard Wine & Spirits, was named president of the MBA in September. "For too long, the conversation about Midtown has been dominated by a singular narrative of homelessness, addiction, and mental health crises."

During the event, MBA's board saluted Miles Crettien, former MBA President, and Katy McElroy, owner of Tubby's and former board Secretary. Both recently retired from the board.

"These issues are real and heartbreaking, deserving of our full, urgent attention and compassion," Cranston said. "But the negative focus, driven by news reports taken from the police blotter and emergency responses, obscure the full, vibrant picture of Midtown, which is experiencing a cultural surge of creative, community-led activity, powered by longtime residents and new neighbors alike," he continued.

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"Midtown is the heart of Kingston. Midtown is not just a neighborhood, but a genuine mirror reflecting the struggles and triumphs of urban America today," Cranston added. "This neighborhood fosters successful businesses and an active, passionate community that is seeking connection post-Pandemic. Beyond what the headlines suggest, Midtown is a place of hope and innovation."

MBA's Changing the Lens initiative will comprise a series of communications efforts, public events and active participation in local government over the next three years aimed to illuminate the area's positive attributes for businesses, entrepreneurs and visitors. Further details of Changing the Lens will be announced in February.

"Come to Midtown," Cranston encourages. "Support the new businesses. Honor the historic staples. But also, engage with the challenges. Let us move forward not by ignoring the difficult truths, but by using our collective energy and economic success to address them head-on."