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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger
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Dear Friends,
At the end of July, the County received news that we could no longer use the Kingston Plaza as the main UCAT connection point, with some 50 buses stopping there a day. We had to quickly identify another location – a major undertaking within a short time frame – and have selected the County-owned Development Court on Ulster Ave. (Please note that bus service on the KPL and KS lines will continue to stop at Kingston Plaza/Hannafords – the change primarily affects transfers to other buses.)
While working to accommodate this major change, we took the opportunity to make some additional route and schedule adjustments to improve reliability of service and increase the number of paratransit buses, which have been insufficient to meet demand. These changes were noticed on Aug. 15 and will go into effect on Sept. 15.
I want to apologize for any unclear communication around these changes, as the timeframe to find a new UCAT transfer location was short. I also want to let UCAT riders know that we’ve created a Participate webpage where you can submit questions. We’ll publish answers by next business day if not before. Meanwhile, our work continues on the Route Optimization Plan, and we look forward to getting public input on possible additional UCAT transfer points as part of this plan.
All my best,
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Recent News & Events
Appreciating Ulster County’s Overdose Response Services on Overdose Awareness Day
Sunday, August 31 was International Overdose Awareness Day — the world’s largest campaign to end overdose and eliminate the stigma surrounding substance use. As part of New York State’s observance, the Ulster County Office Building in Kingston was illuminated in purple — joining landmarks and bridges across the state in a powerful show of remembrance, unity, and hope.
We want to recognize the vital work of Ulster County’s Department of Mental Health, which continues to expand prevention, treatment, and recovery services for residents affected by addiction. In a recent initiative, the County is partnering with Oxford House to provide recovery housing at two locations in the County. The Oxford House model of self-run sober-living homes has been highly successful in supporting recovery and enabling a fresh start in life.
We also honor the work of Ulster County Sheriff's ORACLE Team, a rapid-response, multidisciplinary team that provides compassionate crisis intervention, peer advocacy, and recovery support — working hand-in-hand with local partners to save lives and build pathways to healing.
On International Opioid Awareness Day and every day, we remember those we’ve lost, we support those still struggling, and we stand together to end overdose and stigma.
Celebrating Justin Riccobono, August’s Veteran of the Month
 On August 28, County Executive Metzger andVeteran Services Director Mark Cozzopoli visited Patchwork Quilt Farm to present Justin Riccobono the Veteran of the Month Award. The farm is a special place in the hamlet of Wallkill where Justin and his dad, Salvatore — both veterans — provide housing for fellow veterans, teach farming skills, and help them reconnect with family and community through farming. The award was presented on the farm to highlight the great work Justin is doing for fellow veterans, and the sustainable farming practices he employs.
Salvatore is also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and they have a tasty Texas BBQ stand on the farm called POP-EEZ Smoke, open weekends, 10-3pm. Grab a bite of their delicious brisket at 2098 Bruynswick Rd., Wallkill!
Celebrating Irish Culture at Hooley on the Hudson
 The beautiful sounds of bagpipes filled the streets of the Rondout on Sunday at the 25th Annual Hooley on the Hudson – a fun and joyous celebration of Irish culture and heritage, organized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Ulster County and hosted by the City of Kingston.
At the opening ceremony County Executive Metzger spoke about the contributions of Irish immigrants, who built and shaped Ulster County as brickmakers, cement industry miners, railworkers, physicians, educators, public servants, and more. Immigrants have always been the lifeblood of Ulster County and continue to enrich our communities and contribute to a thriving local economy today.
County Executive Signs Collective Bargaining Agreement with Sheriff’s Employees Association
 It’s official! On August 25, County Executive Metzger signed a four-year contract with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Employees Association, together with Sheriff Juan Figueroa and Sheriff’s Employees Association President George MacDonald, providing fair wages and benefits to our hard-working professionals in the County jail.
The Ulster County jail has been a model in many ways under the leadership of Sheriff Figueroa, with programs like Medically-Assisted Treatment for substance use disorder and educational and job-training opportunities through IGNITE and Corrections to Careers in partnership with the Carpenters’ union. We’re proud of this leadership and the men and women who work there. We want to thank the union negotiating team as well as the members of the Executive team for a collective-bargaining job well done!
Ukrainian Independence Day Proclamation
 On August 24, we joined the Chernivtsi Region, Ulster County’s Sister Community in Ukraine, in honoring Ukrainian Independence Day. To mark the anniversary, County Executive Metzger issued a Proclamation recognizing the day of August 24, 1991, when the Ukrainian people declared their independence and sovereignty, affirming their inherent right to self-determination, freedom, and democratic governance.
EllenWell Celebration Promotes Wellness Practices in Our Communities
 On Saturday, August 30, the Trudy Resnick Farber Center hosted EllenWell, a vibrant community event celebrating National Wellness Month and highlighting the many resources available at the Center to residents in Ellenville/Wawarsing and neighboring communities. The event drew families, neighbors, and local leaders together for a day of connection, learning, and fun.
EllenWell featured a wide range of traditional and holistic providers representing the eight dimensions of wellness — Social, Financial, Spiritual, Intellectual, Environmental, Occupational, Emotional, and Physical. Attendees enjoyed hands-on activities including mosaic crafts, games, and movement-based wellness sessions. Free treats like popcorn, cotton candy, and pastries added to the festive atmosphere.
We want to thank Trudy Center Site Program Manager Janet Nuñez and the many community partners who tabled and hosted activities for putting on such a great event!
We also want to highlight the amazing programs the Trudy Center offers, like family counseling, health screenings, senior dining events, and overdose prevention and harm reduction training. We encourage everyone to take advantage of all the Trudy Center has to offer! To learn more, visit https://participate.ulstercountyny.gov/trudy-farber.
Good Times and Good Food at the Office for Aging Senior Picnic
 We had glorious weather for the Senior Picnic at Robert Post Park on August 21! Thank you to the Ulster County Office of the Aging for organizing another fun summer gathering, and thank you to Gateway for the delicious chicken BBQ! We also appreciated all the organizations that tabled at the event and shared resources with our seniors.
Federal Clean Energy Incentives Are Ending Soon — Ulster County Residents, Act Now!
 The Trump budget is eliminating federal incentives for residential solar, electric vehicles (EVs), and zero-emissions appliances. If you’re interested in taking advantage of these federal incentives before they are gone, you must apply before the following dates:
SEPTEMBER 30, 2025: Tax credits expire toward the purchase of a new EV (up to $7,500) or used EV (up to $4,000). For more info and to see whether the credits apply to a particular make/model, go to: https://www.energy.gov/.../new-and-used-clean-vehicle-tax...
DECEMBER 31, 2025: Many tax credits will expire, including:
- The long-running 30% tax credit for residential solar installation
- 30% tax credit for home battery storage
- 30% tax credit for geothermal heating and cooling
- The Energy Efficiency Home Improvement credit, including up to $2,000 for heat pumps and $1,200 for building envelope improvements (windows, insulation, etc.) For more information: https://www.irs.gov/.../energy-efficient-home-improvement...
JULY 30, 2026: 30% tax credit for a home EV charger expires. For more information: https://www.irs.gov/.../alternative-fuel-vehicle...
Act now to take advantage of these federal incentives before they are gone. State and utility incentives will remain available. Check NYSERDA and Central Hudson websites for information.
Grants Available to Homeowners to Build an ADU
 Ulster County is offering another round of grants to support homeowners in building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — additional housing units on residential properties, such as garage apartments or backyard cottages. ADUs offer flexible, affordable living options and can help homeowners generate rental income or support aging in place.
In partnership with RUPCO, the County has launched Round 3 of the Plus One ADU Program, now open on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible homeowners countywide. The program offers grants of up to $112,500 to property owners with incomes at or below Area Median Income (AMI) to construct or renovate ADUs. In return, participants agree to rent the unit at an affordable rate for at least 10 years and not use it as a short-term rental.
To see if you qualify and to apply, visit: rupco.org/plusone
Additionally, the County Executive signed into law a new property tax incentive that exempts the value of capital improvements for ADU construction — up to $200,000 in added property value — for a five-year period. The exemption does NOT apply to ADUs used for short-term rentals.
To learn more or apply:
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Golden Hill Housing Lottery Still Open!
The housing lottery for Golden Hill Apartments is still open! Golden Hill is a new, 164-unit, affordable, sustainably constructed, intergenerational housing community in Kingston. Apartments are available to households earning between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income, with nearly half of the apartments reserved for senior households aged 62 and older.
For full details, visit GoldenHillApts.com. Apply below, or submit a paper application via email, fax, or mail.
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One Life Only Youth Celebration Hosted by the Ulster County Youth Bureau & District Attorney’s Office
On September 6, the Ulster County Youth Bureau and Ulster County District Attorney’s Office will host the first One Life Only youth celebration — a free, county-wide event designed to uplift and engage youth through music, movement, games, and meaningful connection.
🗓️ Sat., Sep. 6
🕖 2 – 5 PM
📍 Dietz Stadium, 170 N Front Street, Kingston
What to expect:
- Live performances by Energy Dance Company and a community drum circle (Center for Creative Education)
- Music by local youth band Pour la Terre
- Sports clinics by the YMCA, plus soccer, basketball, and dodgeball
- One Strike Fitness with tug of peace, and Julio Jackson with martial arts
- Games and activities for ages 3–18: archery, carnival games, photo booth (facilitated by My Kingston Kids)
- Free food provided by Hudson Valley Catering: burgers, hot dogs, drinks, popcorn, and cotton candy
- Sunrays Horse Rescue, a Kingston-based nonprofit, will offer opportunities for gentle connection and photos with ponies.
- Giveaways, T-shirts, and back-to-school supplies
- More than 20 youth organizations from across Ulster County, including Mohonk Preserve, Mental Health Respite, and more
- Outstanding Youth 2025 Award nominations, and youth performances
- Many thanks to Radio Kingston for their amazing support in providing the stage and sound
All are welcome! Help us make this a powerful day of celebration and connection for Ulster County’s youth.
For more information, contact Sugely Melenciano-Weed, Ulster County Youth Bureau Director, at smel@co.ulster.ny.us, or (845) 750-0953.
Join Us on the Free Nature Bus on Saturdays!
The Ulster County Nature Bus runs every Saturday through the end of September and is completely FREE for both transportation and admission to parks and preserves. Nature Bus destinations are accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
🗓️ Sat., Sep. 6
📍Ridge Route — From New Paltz, the Nature Bus picks up riders at the NYS Thruway Park and Ride, New Paltz Gardens, and New Paltz Trailways; from Ellenville, the Nature Bus departs from Liberty Square. Destinations include the Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gate Trailhead, Mohonk Preserve Visitors Center, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
🗓️ Sat., Sep. 13
📍River Route — The Nature Bus departs from Kingston Plaza, with a stop at Garraghan Drive. Destinations include Sojourner Truth State Park, Kingston Point Beach, Black Creek Preserve, and the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park.
Make the most of your trip by wearing appropriate footwear, and don’t forget to bring water. Each bus has a bike rack (first-come, first-served), and helmets are required when biking in state parks. Only service animals are allowed. For questions, call UCAT Dispatch at (845) 334-8458.
Spread Hope Through Art
Join the Ulster County Department of Mental Health and the SPEAK Coalition for a powerful community event where creativity becomes a message of hope.
🗓️ Sunday, September 14
🕘 Starts at 9 AM | Ends around 11:30 AM
📍 368 Broadway (Jansen Ave parking lot)
☔ Rain date: Sunday, September 21
Together, we’ll turn city sidewalks into vibrant canvases filled with uplifting messages, inspiring artwork, and words of encouragement — all to raise awareness for suicide prevention and remind others they’re not alone.
Whether you’re an artist, an advocate, or simply someone who cares, your presence makes a difference. 💛
Let’s create something beautiful together and show our community that hope is always within reach.
Learn About Rain Gardens at the YMCA Farm Project’s Birthday Celebration
On September 16, the Ulster County Department of the Environment joins the Kingston YMCA Farm Project’s Birthday Celebration with a special table on rain gardens and green infrastructure.
🗓️Monday, September 16
🕠5–7 PM
📍YMCA Farm Project, Susan St. (behind River Radiology)
Why: Because our backyards, parks, and streets can help keep our rivers clean and our communities green!
Stop by to explore how rain gardens work, understand why they are beneficial for stormwater management, and how you can create one at home to protect local waterways, support pollinators, and beautify your space.
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Learn More and Ask Questions About the Upcoming UCAT Changes
We’ve created a Participate Ulster Page to address questions about the UCAT changes coming up on September 15.
Starting September 15, the County will no longer be using the Kingston Plaza (where Hannaford is located) as a UCAT bus-to-bus transfer point. This major transfer point will be relocated to Development Court on Ulster Ave. At the same time, UCAT is also introducing some route changes to address operational concerns and enhance service reliability.
We understand that news of these changes has been confusing and frustrating to many UCAT riders, and we’ve created this Participate Page to keep you informed and updated, and to answer any questions you may have.
Visit the Participate Page to view the FAQ, or submit your own questions through the Q+A form.
You can also provide more general feedback through the UCAT Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan Survey
Ulster County is creating a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). A CWPP is a plan that prioritizes government and community identification of key wildfire risk areas and creates strategies to mitigate risk. Creating a CWPP will guide County wildfire mitigation actions, reduce damage to homes and properties, potentially improve insurance eligibility or discounts, and increase grant funding eligibility. We need your help to create this plan, so please fill out the survey below! It is 20 questions long and should take 5-10 minutes to complete.
Ulster County Launches Project SAFE to Enhance Emergency Response for At-Risk Individuals
Ulster County has launched Project SAFE (Special Alert For Emergencies), a voluntary alert program designed to assist individuals in Ulster County living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Dementia, Blindness, Deafness, or other conditions.
The program allows caregivers and individuals to provide vital information that will be securely stored in our 911 dispatch system. This information can help first responders provide the most informed and compassionate care possible during emergencies. Enroll today at ulstercountyny.gov/project-safe and visit participate.ulstercountyny.gov/thinkdifferently to learn more.
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Fall Cleantech & Building Science Training at SUNY Ulster – Scholarships Available!
SUNY Ulster is offering certification courses this fall in CleanTech, Building Science, and Renewable Energy. These programs are designed to prepare individuals for high-demand careers in energy-efficient home performance and building systems.
Upcoming Courses:
- BPI Building Science Principles (BSP) Introduction to energy-efficient home performance and building systems Sept. 15–16 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Online | DCB 2323
- BPI Building Analyst Technician (BA-T) Diagnostic testing and whole-home assessments Sept. 15–19 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Hybrid | DCB 2420
- BPI Building Analyst Professional (BA-P) Advanced energy modeling and performance recommendations Oct. 6–7 | 9 AM – 5 PM | Hybrid | DCB 2421
- BPI Infiltration & Duct Leakage (IDL) Blower door and duct leakage testing Call 845-339-2025 for start date
- BPI Heating Professional Optimization and verification of heating systems Call 845-339-2025 for start date
- BPI AC & Heat Pump Professional Refrigerant-based mechanical systems and their interaction with building systems Call 845-339-2025 for start date
For details or registration, visit Green Careers or contact SUNY Ulster at 845-339-2025.
Become a New York State EMT for Free!
Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Ulster County residents can now register for the New York State EMT Original Course.
Individuals volunteering or employed with municipal or non-profit EMS agencies in Ulster County may be eligible for a $2,000 stipend upon successful completion!
📅 Orientation: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
🕖 Class Times: Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays: 7 –10 PM; 5 Saturdays: 8 AM - 4 PM (hands-on training)
📍 Location: Ulster County Public Safety Training Center, 259 Ulster Landing Rd, Kingston, NY
Seats are limited — register now to secure your spot!
For questions, contact: Deputy Director/EMS Coordinator Richard Miller at rmll@co.ulster.ny.us
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Job Openings in Ulster County
Ulster County is Hiring! Consider a career in public service and earn a living by making a difference. Visit the civil service portal and apply today to join our team.
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
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