Why So Negative? Ulster County's Future is Bright
In some recent media reports regarding the status of transformational economic development projects in Ulster County, you’d think the sky was falling and developers were scrambling for the exits. But contrary to the naysayers, Ulster County's economic future remains bright and full of opportunity.
One example are reports that the Kingstonian, a 144-unit mixed-use development project in Uptown Kingston, will be delayed by at least 2 years and possibly scrapped for good. This news was reported as the developers sought and received an extension of certain benchmarks related to the IDA-approved payment-in-lieu-of-taxes for the project. Opponents to the project have claimed victory and hurled "I told you so's". But what the media failed to report was that the receipt of the extensions, (that updates and re-aligns the timeline for construction with the site plan approved by Kingston's planning board) provides additional time for the project to begin, but does not mandate a delay. Contrary to reporting, the development team never signaled an intent to delay the project. They were only seeking flexibility for the project in response to a barrage of frivolous lawsuits - 14 so far filed against the project by companies connected to NYC developer Neil Bender and some local opponents - that slowed things down. To date, each and every lawsuit was ruled in favor of the project. With the approved extensions the developers will now have the necessary time to bring this important project across the finish line.
News media has also reported on the seasonal closing of the Hutton Brickyard as a foreshadowing of the demise of our hospitality industry in Ulster County. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Anyone visiting the property this summer or fall would have seen how busy and vibrant the environment was. Ulster County's Regional Chamber of Commerce held a standing room only mixer there this summer and weddings and events have been booked going forward. The property incurred some flooding damage during the Christmas weekend, and the owners decided to close during the slower winter months to make necessary repairs. This is just sensible management and far from doomsday!
And lastly, recent reporting trumpeted Ulster County's reduction of the scope of a grant application for iPark 87, the former IBM property in the town of Ulster. This project is moving quickly towards a transformative redevelopment, but headlines proclaimed uncertainty! Yet the real headline was buried in the story - a quote from an Ulster County representative that the reduction in scope was simply an effort to have the application be in compliance with the program for which they were applying for funding. In fact, National Resources, the owners of iPark 87, recently submitted a revised master plan for the property that ADDED commercial space. That isn’t a sign of a struggling project.
Development is an extraordinarily complex process that requires many public and private voices, funding, and timing. It is hard to encapsulate everything in short headlines or soundbites. But by any measure, after decades of false starts and dashed hopes, Ulster County’s time for exciting possibilities has at last arrived, and an historic year in economic growth and opportunity lay ahead.