Ulster County Delays Tiny Home Development Proposal for Veterans

The Ulster County Legislature’s Housing and Transportation Committee has postponed a decision regarding a policy aimed at utilizing surplus county property for potential tiny home developments. These developments are intended to support homeless veterans and other vulnerable populations. Legislator Herbert Litts, who proposed the policy, emphasized that creating tiny homes on county land would significantly reduce the region’s reliance on motels for temporary housing.

During the committee meeting on October 9, 2023, Litts highlighted the challenges faced by individuals living in motels. He stated, “Several years ago, it became apparent to me that 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.” Litts, who represents Lloyd, expressed his desire for these individuals to have stable housing, rather than being shuffled between different counties.

The financial implications of the current housing situation are significant. Litts noted that Ulster County spends approximately $13.3 million annually on motel rooms that serve as temporary housing for the homeless. He believes that tiny homes would provide residents with a sense of purpose and improve their quality of life. One potential site he mentioned is Paradise Lane in New Paltz, where the county is constructing an emergency communications center. Litts indicated that this location could be suitable for tiny homes, as utilities are already being installed beneath the Thruway for the new center.

While the proposal received support from some members, it faced skepticism from others, particularly within the Democratic Party. Committee Chairman Jeff Collins of Woodstock questioned the feasibility of the tiny home concept and whether Litts had thoroughly explored alternative options. He challenged the distinction between this proposal and existing county initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness.

Legislature Chairman Peter Criswell expressed concern that the policy seemed to lack comprehensive input from administration officials and county department heads. “I just think we have to have a holistic approach,” said Criswell, who represents Kingston. He raised the possibility that a focus solely on tiny homes might limit other development opportunities.

In response, Litts asserted that he has engaged with County Executive Jen Metzger and her administration regarding his proposal. He advocated for the policy as an additional tool to address the county’s housing challenges, stating that every surplus property should be evaluated for its potential as a tiny home site.

Ultimately, the committee decided to postpone the vote on the proposal. Democratic legislators Eric Stewart, Debra Clinton, and Greg McCollough expressed their willingness to collaborate with Litts to refine the policy before presenting it to the full Legislature. The outcome of this initiative could have lasting implications for the county’s approach to homelessness and affordable housing.