Public hearing on proposed Local Law 19 about county parking lots draws mixed views

The Ulster County Legislature held a public hearing on proposed Local Law No. 19, a measure to regulate use of county parking lots. Two speakers offered opposing perspectives during the two‑minute public‑hearing slots.

Former legislator Laura Petit, who identified herself as a Town of Esopus resident and former member of the legislature, urged legislators to support the law. Petit said the law would allow people conducting county business to have validated coupons and prevent long‑term private use of spaces, describing examples of privately parked vehicles and electric cars occupying spots all day. “It should be for public use and, then after that it can be a free for all,” she said.

Rachel Ganz of Rosendale opposed the proposal, saying it would “add too much policing to an issue” caused in part by gentrification and inadequate countywide planning and public transportation. “Don't give more authority to sheriffs and police officers to abuse power by codifying what is really an annoyance and not a safety concern,” Ganz said. She urged the legislature to prioritize housing, clean water and food security over new parking enforcement measures.

Why this matters: Local Law 19 would change enforcement and access rules for county parking lots in Kingston’s downtown area and other county facilities, with advocates saying it preserves public access and critics saying it risks expanded enforcement authority.

Next steps: The public hearing was closed and the legislature will consider the measure in subsequent committee and floor actions; no vote on the law was recorded at this meeting.

Ending: Both speakers urged the legislature to weigh equity and practical enforcement considerations as it moves forward.