June 4, 2026 Housing and Transportation

The Ulster County Legislature's Housing and Transportation Committee meeting on June 4, 2026, focused extensively on transportation infrastructure and housing initiatives. A key presentation by Daniel Defalco of All Aboard Hudson Valley highlighted the Westshore passenger rail initiative, advocating for a feasibility study to reintroduce passenger rail service along the existing CSX West Shoreline corridor. The discussion emphasized potential economic development, congestion relief, and improved regional connectivity, with references to prior studies and current funding opportunities. The committee also reviewed housing-related programs, including subsidies, emergency housing demand, and a new local law (Local Law 10 of 2026) to provide partial property tax exemptions for income-restricted homes, aiming to support affordable housing sustainability. Several resolutions were passed, including contract amendments for public transportation technology (Samsara licenses), acceptance of state rental assistance funds, and funding for Kingston Housing Authority's redevelopment project adding 68 new housing units. The meeting included discussions on funding strategies, contract management capacity, and ongoing planning efforts for modular construction and emergency housing projects.