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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
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Dear Friends,
Happy Earth Week! Saturday is the kick-off of our seasonal Ulster County Nature Bus, with a new route from New Paltz, and I hope you'll join me. (More info below!)
This past week I signed into law a five-year property tax exemption for homeowners on the added value of constructing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on their property, helping to make this investment more economical. An ADU can provide a home for a caregiver or relative, or can be rented, providing some extra income to homeowners and creating housing that is affordable. This exemption is not intended for short-term rentals, which need no tax incentive, and I will be asking the County Legislature to amend the law to make this distinction clear.
We're supporting ADUs in many ways, including through our "Plus-One Home" grants and a new low-interest revolving loan fund we're creating for homeowners.
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Recent News & Events
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger Appoints James Amenta as Deputy County Executive
County Executive Metzger has appointed James Amenta as Deputy County Executive to replace departing Deputy County Executive Johanna Contreras, who will leave County service on April 25 to accept a position in Congressman Pat Ryan’s office. Amenta, a Phoenicia resident, has served for 18 years in the federal government — including 10 years with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and eight years with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Amenta brings extensive expertise in housing and urban development, having co-led a team at HUD that managed $1–2 billion in federal grants annually and directed fiscal strategy for 600+ grants. He has overseen portfolios worth $50 million, provided regulatory guidance, and strengthened inter-agency and nonprofit collaborations. Previously, at Homeland Security, he developed policies on procurement, asset management, and fiscal compliance while ensuring regulatory adherence.
“James brings a wealth of government leadership and management experience, a deep knowledge of housing and community needs, and the kind of collaborative, can-do approach to public service that is so important to this leadership role,” said County Executive Metzger. "I have no doubt that he will serve the County well as Deputy County Executive, alongside Deputies Jamie Capuano and Amanda LaValle. I am also thrilled that Deputy Executive Capuano has agreed to assume the additional role of Chief of Staff. I have greatly enjoyed working with Johanna Contreras and appreciate her service to our County. We wish her all the best in her new position, and we look forward to working with her in her new role with Congressman Ryan’s office."
Amenta holds a Master of Public Administration from CUNY and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Philosophy from Central Connecticut State University. Since moving to Phoenicia in 2018, he has co-founded local sustainability initiatives, operates a family farm, and actively volunteers on community boards and projects.
Join Us on the Nature Bus in Celebration of Earth Month
The Ulster County Nature Bus returns on Saturday, April 26, with updated routes for 2025! The 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.
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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.
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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. Buses seat 22 passengers. Only service animals are allowed. For additional assistance, call UCAT Dispatch at (845) 334-8458.
After the April 26 launch, the Nature Bus will alternate routes and run every Saturday through late September.
Construction Underway to Transform Former Motel into Permanent Supportive Housing
On April 9, County Executive Metzger, Planning Director Dennis Doyle, and Senior Planner Kai Lord-Farmer stopped by to check out construction now underway at the Quality Inn in the Town of Ulster — a project by RUPCO to transform the former motel into 83 units of permanent housing for our most vulnerable residents, including homeless individuals and families, with wrap-around services including health and mental health care, career counseling and job training, and childcare. The housing is sustainably constructed, with geothermal heating and cooling and solar on the roof!
This is one of five housing projects that received funding through the County's new Housing Action Fund, and the project also received invaluable support from the NYS Homes and Community Renewal, Office of Mental Health, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, and Empire State Development.
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President's Challenge Scholarship Recipients Recognized at SUNY Ulster Luncheon
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger attended a luncheon at SUNY Ulster to recognize high school students who were awarded the President's Challenge Scholarship through the Ulster Community College Foundation. Among the students honored were two ninth-graders, one from Rondout Valley High School and one from Ellenville High School, who she personally sponsored.
This scholarship program is specifically designed for students who will be the first in their families to attend college. It provides mentorship throughout high school and eliminates financial barriers by covering tuition at SUNY Ulster for two years.
Integrated Ulster Orientation Brings Together Over 100 Professionals
In 2018, the Ulster County Department of Mental Health launched Integrated Ulster — a collaborative, person-centered "no-wrong-door" approach to caring for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. The reach of Integrated Ulster continues to grow, with over 100 professionals attending last week's Integrated Ulster orientation, hosted by SUNY Ulster, including care managers, peer advocates, clinic supervisors, wellness coordinators, and others.
We have to meet people where they are, and recognize the multifaceted needs that each individual faces. Mental health doesn't exist in isolation — it intersects with physical health, housing, employment, substance use, and countless other factors, making collaboration across organizations, providers, and community partners essential to success.
County Executive Advocates for NYS State Law to Reduce Plastic Waste
In Ulster County, our residents spend $11 million a year for waste to be trucked hundreds of miles away to Seneca Meadows landfill. Up to 17% of this waste is just packaging, most of it single-use plastic. Last week, County Executive Metzger joined State Senator Peter Harckham (Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee) and Beyond Plastics President Judith Enck on a zoom press conference urging the State Legislature to pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act — common sense legislation shifting the costs of disposal from us to the corporations that generate it. The legislation would reduce this waste, increase recycling and reuse, and eliminate some 20 toxic and harmful chemicals from packaging.
Donate Life Flag-Raising Ceremony Highlights the Power of Organ Donation
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger joined County Clerk Taylor Bruck and fellow elected officials for a beautiful Donate Life flag-raising ceremony to help raise awareness about the life-saving gift of organ and tissue donation. New Paltz resident and liver recipient Butch Dener shared his own story of how a liver donation saved his life.
While organs and tissue are typically donated upon death, some organs — like a kidney or portion of a liver — can be donated by live donors. (Fun Fact: The liver actually grows back in about three months!)
Spring Chicks Are Cute, But Caution is Key: Prevent the Spread of Avian Flu
In springtime, and especially around the holidays, purchases of baby chicks and ducklings are not uncommon. As Bird Flu continues to pose a risk to domestic poultry and wildlife, the Ulster County Department of Health urges residents to take extra precautions and follow CDC guidance to protect their animals and prevent outbreak.
While there are currently no active cases of Avian Flu in Ulster County, a January case at a local farm resulted in the loss of 50 birds, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
While the risk to humans is low, the disease is highly contagious among birds and can spread through contact with infected birds, surfaces, or wild flocks.
For questions, call the Ulster County Department of Health at (845) 334-5527.
Ulster County is Proud to ThinkDIFFERENTLY
The ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative encourages our communities to be more inclusive and supportive for individuals of all abilities—by shifting the way we think, plan, interact, and provide services to be accessible for all.
Now we need your help:
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The Children and Family Services unit in the Ulster County Department of Social Services (DSS) is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and help families stay together whenever possible. The office receives and assesses referrals for children's services from schools, neighbors, or self-referrals, helping determine if preventive services, community-based services, or foster care placement are needed.
Children and Family Services supports and protects not just children but individuals of all ages. Services include:
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Adult Services: These include Adult Protective, Personal Care, Long Term Home Health Care, Family-Type Homes for Adults (approved homeowners provide adult care to four or fewer adults unrelated to the owner), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) services. DSS coordinates with the Ulster County Office for the Aging to ensure seamless access to services for senior adults.
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Child Protective Services (CPS): Investigates reports of child abuse and maltreatment within 24 hours of receipt of a report. CPS works with families to provide services and, if necessary, seeks court intervention to protect a child and place them in foster care.
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Family Violence Investigative Unit: Investigates cases of domestic violence, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. This multi-disciplinary team includes law enforcement officers and child protective caseworkers, working together to support victims in a child-friendly environment at the Family and Child Advocacy Center.
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Preventive Services: Offers support to families to prevent the need for out-of-home placements. Services include casework counseling, parenting skills training, and referrals to community programs.
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Foster Care: Ensures appropriate foster placements for children when their parents are unable to care for them. This unit also recruits and trains foster parents, helping children in need of temporary, loving homes.
Children and Family Services is located at 1091 Development Court in Kingston. Staff are available from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month
The Ulster County Department of Social Services (DSS) participated in National Go Blue Day on April 4 by wearing blue to help draw attention to the problem of child abuse and express their commitment to improving the lives of families and preventing child abuse.
At DSS, Child Protective Services investigates all reports of child abuse and neglect in the County. Together with the Preventive Services team, they provide support to families with the goal of keeping families together and preventing unnecessary removals. These supports include in-home visits and referrals to services like daycare, supports for children with developmental disabilities, and treatment for substance use disorder and mental illness.
Currently, 134 families in Ulster County are receiving intervention services with the objective of keeping these families together. If the goals set for the family are not met, the Child Protective Unit is responsible for initiating orders of protection or removal petitions to ensure the children’s safety. At present, 105 Ulster County children are in foster care as a result of parental neglect and/or abuse. Even in the case that a removal is deemed necessary, the Children and Family Services team continues to work toward family reunification wherever possible.
By providing children, families, and communities with the knowledge, skills, supports, and resources they need, DSS's Children and Family Services strives to help every child grow up safe and healthy.
Become a Foster Parent
Are you interested in making a difference in the life of a child? Consider becoming a foster parent! Foster care provides children, from newborns to 21 year-olds, with a safe, loving home when their own families are unable to care for them. DSS is continuously recruiting foster families who can provide safe, loving homes for children whose families are experiencing these challenges.
Orientation is held on the first Tuesday of every month. If you are interested in confirming your spot or learning more about the program, please contact our Foster Care team at (845) 334-5400.
Fortis/Central Hudson In-Person Public Statement Hearing
The public is invited to attend an in-person public hearing by the NYS Public Service Commission on Fortis/Central Hudson’s proposed rate hike:
🗓️ Tuesday, April 29
🕑 5:30 PM
📍 Restorative Justice Center (733 Broadway, Kingston)
Make your voice heard!
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April is National Poetry Month
Listen to our Ulster County Poet Laureate, Mike Jurkovic, perform his poem, Gravity Gets Us All.
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Upcoming Community Events for Midtown Linear Park Community Space Design Project
Help Shape the Future of Transportation in Ulster County: Take Our Survey
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Mobility 2050: The Ulster County Transportation Council's Long Range Transportation Plan looks twenty-five years into the future of transportation in Ulster County, and guides our transportation planning and investment decisions. The Plan will recommend transportation projects aligned with the identified priorities and provide a framework to develop, manage, and operate our transportation systems in a safe and efficient way.
Take the survey today to help guide our transportation planning and investment decisions in Ulster County.
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Farm Viability & Sustainability Grant Program Open for Local Farmers
Farmers, check out our new grant program for you — apply now through April 30! The grants, ranging from $25,000 to $75,000, support investments to improve the long-term viability of the farm, enhance energy efficiency to reduce energy costs, and help farms adapt to the impacts of climate change. The program is for small and mid-sized farms with a net annual income below $1 million. Applicants must also have filed a Schedule F in 2023 and have received an Agricultural Assessment to be eligible.
Watch a virtual information session about the program. The County grant program is administered by the Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corp.
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Support for the Next Generation of Growers
The Rondout Valley Growers Association (RVGA) is now accepting applications for its $1,000 Board of Directors Scholarship, open to college-bound high school seniors with a demonstrated interest in agriculture or local food systems. The scholarship supports tuition, housing, books, and other academic expenses, and is awarded based on academic achievement and financial need.
Graduating seniors from any school district in the Rondout Valley are eligible to apply. The deadline is Friday, April 25.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
$1 Million in Grants Available for New York Farmers' Markets
New York State is offering $1 million in grant funding to help farmers' markets improve infrastructure, expand marketing, and enhance local food system resilience. Grants range from $25,000 to $50,000 and support projects like booth construction, cold storage, website development, and more. Applications are open now and will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 27, 2025, or until funds are expended.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
Faith & Climate Training Coming to the Hudson Valley
From June 13–15, the Center for Earth Ethics will host a Faith & Climate Training at The Ashokan Center in Olivebridge. This program is designed for spiritual and lay leaders of all faiths who are looking to strengthen their communities' relationship with the land and take action on climate change. Participants will explore:
- Climate science and policy
- Ethical communication
- Local watershed and foodshed issues
- Eco-justice initiatives
- Spiritual support and pastoral care
The training is by application and invitation only. Participants will leave with valuable tools, resources, and new connections to support their work on climate issues.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
Mid-Hudson Energy Transition Free Appliance Upgrade Program
The City of Kingston is offering income-qualifying Kingston homeowners and renters FREE energy-efficient appliances through Mid-Hudson Energy Transition. Funded by the City of Kingston’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), this initiative offers induction stoves, heat pump water heaters, and portable heat pumps – all zero-emissions technologies that are energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly, and support healthy indoor air quality
Applications are now open! To qualify, applicants must meet the Kingston income requirement of 80% Area Median Income, either own their home or have legal authority to make changes, and for tenants, landlord approval is required.
Please note, these programs are operated by MHET and the City of Kingston and are not managed by Ulster County.
Now Hiring for a Senior Engineer!
The Ulster County Department of Public Works is now hiring for a Senior Engineer! This position plays a key role in designing and managing infrastructure projects, from roads and bridges to capital and federally funded initiatives. Apply your engineering expertise to help build and maintain critical public infrastructure in Ulster County — apply today!
The Department Of Public Works is responsible for maintaining and improving County infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings. It ensures safe and efficient public facilities and services, contributing to the well-being and convenience of the community.
Ulster County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer and fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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