Ulster County Committee Delays Tiny Home Development Proposal

The Ulster County Legislature’s Housing and Transportation Committee postponed a decision on a proposal aimed at exploring the potential of county-owned properties for tiny home developments. This initiative is primarily intended to assist homeless veterans and other vulnerable populations. The committee’s meeting took place on October 9, 2023, in Kingston, New York.

Herbert Litts, the legislator who introduced the proposal, argued that establishing tiny homes on county land could alleviate the need for temporary motel accommodations, which currently cost the county approximately $13.3 million annually. Litts emphasized the negative impact of relying on motels, stating, “Living out of a suitcase in not very nice accommodations and moving every 30 days was not a way to live and does absolutely nothing for a person’s self-esteem.” He expressed a desire to transition these individuals into stable, permanent housing to avoid further displacement across multiple counties.

Litts identified Paradise Lane in New Paltz as a potential site for development, noting that the county is already in the process of constructing an emergency communications center there. He argued that this location is suitable since utility infrastructure is being established at the site.

While committee members acknowledged the need for affordable housing solutions, some Democrats expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of the tiny home initiative. Committee Chairman Jeff Collins raised concerns about how the proposal differed from existing county efforts, questioning whether focusing solely on tiny homes might restrict the exploration of other housing options.

Legislature Chairman Peter Criswell remarked that the proposal appeared to have been developed without adequate input from county administration officials and department heads. He advocated for a more comprehensive approach to housing issues, suggesting that the proposal should be integrated into a broader housing strategy.

In response to the committee’s hesitations, Litts maintained that he has engaged in discussions with County Executive Jen Metzger and her administration regarding this proposal. He characterized the policy as an additional tool for addressing the county’s housing challenges, asserting that it could provide a more dignified living situation for those in need.

The committee ultimately chose to defer a vote on the proposal, with several Democratic members—Eric Stewart, Debra Clinton, and Greg McCollough—offering to collaborate with Litts in refining the policy for presentation to the full Legislature.

With discussions surrounding innovative housing solutions continuing, the outcome of this proposal remains uncertain as the committee seeks to balance immediate needs with long-term strategic planning.