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Legislature rejects right-to-cross for Tesla charger under Ulster & Delaware corridor in 3–3 tie
Summary
A resolution to grant Tesla the right to cross the Ulster & Delaware Railroad Corridor to install an underground power conduit for chargers failed on a 3–3 vote after legislators voiced concerns about optics and vendor choice; staff said the county would be able to grant similar rights to other companies in the future.
The Ulster County Legislature on March 18 considered Resolution No. 91, a proposal to grant Tesla Inc. the right to cross the county-owned Ulster & Delaware Railroad Corridor to run an underground conduit supplying power to electric vehicle chargers at Kingston Plaza. The resolution failed in a 3–3 tie.
Why it matters: The measure would have allowed an underground power line to pass under county-owned railroad property and supply fast chargers proposed at the plaza. Supporters said the crossing would be installed by directional boring at no cost to the county and could benefit plaza customers and the climate. Opponents worried about the political optics of appearing to favor Tesla and about whether other vendors or configurations could serve the site.
County staff explained the request is to permit a conduit under the corridor; the site plan also shows overhead service for some chargers so not all chargers require county permission. "We are not giving any money to Tesla. The project is being done by the owner of the property," said Chair Collins. Staff added that Tesla will own the conduit's equipment rather than the utility in the current proposal, which is why the resolution named Tesla.
Several legislators said they would register protest votes because of concerns about appearance and vendor preference. One legislator summarized long-term concerns: "My concern is not just the optics of this, which I think are questionable. My bigger concern long term is that if we are facilitating work with a company that may put itself right out of business, then how have we actually helped anybody in the long run?" (Legislator comment recorded in transcript.)
Staff said the county could grant crossing rights to other applicants in the future and that converters exist that can make Tesla equipment usable by other manufacturers. Supporters emphasized the installation would be a small directional bore, cost the county nothing, and could benefit plaza customers and climate goals.
Motion and vote: The motion was made by Legislator McCullough and seconded by the deputy chair. The clerk recorded a tie vote (3–3); the chair announced the resolution failed.
What’s next: Staff and committees may revisit access rules for crossings or future requests from other vendors; no contract or conduit work will proceed under this resolution because the measure did not pass.
