April 14, 2026 Housing and Transportation Committee

The Ulster County Legislature's Housing and Transportation Committee met on April 14, 2026, focusing primarily on the ongoing housing crisis and transportation infrastructure projects. Director Laura Nordstrom provided an in-depth update on emergency housing challenges, highlighting the increasing demand for affordable units, the limitations of current subsidy programs, and the need for more housing options for low-income and vulnerable populations, including families and individuals on social security disability. The committee discussed the recent RFP for smaller shelter locations aimed at better serving families and the homeless population. Additionally, the committee approved a $129,580 federally funded contract with Santech Consulting Services for transportation planning along Route 9W Albany Avenue, and a $4,500 contract amendment with Peak Transit LLC to enhance real-time public transit data integration with Google Maps. A contract with Family of Woodstock for emergency shelter services for homeless youth was also approved. The meeting included discussions on challenges with affordable housing unit sizes, the limitations of Area Median Income (AMI) metrics, and the need for state and county investment to address housing shortages. The committee also received updates on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) initiatives as a potential solution to housing shortages.