In the Town of Ulster, Supervisor James Quigley has outlined plans for handling contentious projects in 2026. During a recent interview on January 6, 2026, Quigley expressed hope for reduced tensions surrounding two major developments: a proposed lithium-ion battery facility and a subdivision project.
Controversial Projects Under Review
The first project involves Terra-Gen‘s application for a 250-megawatt battery facility on the site of the former John A. Coleman High School. This extensive project will cover 15 acres and undergo an in-depth environmental review. The second proposal is for Zena Homes, which seeks to establish a 30-lot subdivision that could result in 52 units spread over 106.6 acres. This project has faced significant opposition, including from residents of nearby Woodstock.
Quigley emphasized the importance of having an impartial Planning Board to evaluate these projects. “It is critical to convene a Planning Board that can objectively look at these projects without bias to prevent the town from getting sued,” he stated. His comments come as the Town Board grapples with internal disputes regarding the appointment of new Planning Board members.
Labor Contracts and Community Issues
The supervisor also highlighted the need to address various routine issues in the coming year. Quigley mentioned two labor contracts that require attention: one with Local 17, which expired on December 31, 2025, and another from the Ulster PBA, representing police officers and dispatchers, which is set to expire in 2027. Concerns have arisen over recent budget changes, with some Town Board members suggesting that the fund balance could accommodate potential contract increases. “What the Town Board said was, ‘We’ve got so much money we don’t know what to do with it,’” Quigley remarked. “That’s waving a red flag in front of a bull.”
In addition to labor concerns, the Town of Ulster continues to deal with repairs at the wastewater treatment plant following a methane explosion on June 29, 2024. “We have spent the last year doing design and specifications that have finally received state approval,” Quigley noted.
Officials are also engaged in a source water protection study in collaboration with the Kingston city system. This initiative aims to safeguard well fields serving the town’s border systems, specifically along Fording Place Road and Halcyon Park.
Housing Crisis on the Horizon
Another pressing matter for the coming year is the increasing demand for temporary housing, as noted by Quigley. “We’re seeing an increased demand coming out of the Ulster County Department of Social Services for housing on a temporary basis,” he explained. This situation could lead to the conversion of existing residential properties, potentially displacing residents into a tightening housing market.
Quigley pointed to ongoing issues at the Kingston Motel, which serves primarily homeless adults and children, as a reflection of the broader housing challenges facing the community. “Once I get my hand on the Kingston Motel report out of my Building Department, I’m going to have to go have another meeting with the County Executive and lay these issues out,” he stated.
As the Town of Ulster navigates these multifaceted challenges, Quigley remains focused on fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes community needs and addresses contentious issues head-on.
