NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
ULSTER COUNTY
APPLICATION FOR U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS (CDBG) ADMINISTERED BY THE NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY RENEWAL
1.
Citizens are advised that Ulster County is considering an application for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds administered by the New York State Office of Community Renewal (OCR). OCR will make approximately $20 million in CDBG funds available in Federal Fiscal Year 2025 . Ulster County is eligible to apply for up to $50,000 for the Community Planning category. The Ulster County Planning Department intends to apply for a Community Planning grant to create the Ulster County Farmworker Housing Pilot Project. This pilot project aims to directly address the critical shortage of affordable farmworker housing in Ulster County by identifying and utilizing farmer-owned or other available property to construct new, high-quality, and affordable housing units. The project will prioritize housing for farmworkers actively employed on Ulster County farms, supporting both the human need for dignified living conditions and the economic viability of the local agricultural sector. This approach leverages existing farm assets and aims to create housing solutions directly integrated into the agricultural landscape and supports the Ulster County's Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan by implementing Priority Action #5 "Pursue the development of farmworker housing on a suitable site in Ulster County as a pilot project."
2.
A public hearing on Ulster County’s Community Development Block Grant Program will be held on August 19, 2025 at 7:05 PM or soon thereafter as the public may be heard, in the County Legislative Chambers, 6th Floor, 244 Fair St. Kingston, New York. The public hearing is also accessible through Livestream at:
https://www.youtube.com/@UlsterCountyLegislature
The hearing will provide further information about the CDBG program and will allow for citizen participation in the development of any proposed grant applications and/or to provide technical assistance to develop alternate proposals. Comments on the CDBG program or proposed project(s) will be received at this time. The hearing is being conducted pursuant to Section 570.486, Subpart I of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and in compliance with the requirements of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.
3.
Written comments should be directed to Victoria Fabella Clerk of the Ulster County Legislature County Office Building, 244 Fair Street, Box 1800, Kingston, New York, 12402 and shall be received no later than June 20, 2024.
4.
Copies of supporting documentation are available for viewing at the offices of the Ulster County Planning Department, 244 Fair Street, County Office Building, Kingston, NY.
5.
The Ulster County Legislature is committed to making its Public Meetings accessible to individuals with disabilities. If special accommodations are needed for persons with disabilities, those with hearing impairments, or those in need of translation from English, those individuals should contact the Office of the Clerk of the Legislature at 845-340-3666 at least one week in advance of the hearing date to allow for necessary arrangements.
Dated: July 30, 2025 Victoria A. Fabella, Clerk
Kingston, New York Ulster County Legislature
