Sullivan County holds public hearing on proposed 25-year lease for Petaluga Road shelter

SULLIVAN COUNTY, N.Y. — The Sullivan County Legislature opened a public hearing April 24 on a proposed local law to authorize a long-term lease — up to 25 years — of county-owned property on Petaluga Road in the Town of Thompson so a nonprofit would operate a “housing service center and shelter.” The legislature did not vote on the measure at the meeting.

The proposal, presented as a local law at the legislature’s meeting in Monticello, would allow the county to enter a site-specific lease with Honor (referred to in the filing as Honor/ONRR EHG) to develop and run a shelter the county describes as a “housing gateway.” The county’s Health and Human Services office said the shelter would provide case management, meals and other services for people experiencing homelessness.

The hearing drew more than two dozen public commenters. Many neighbors near the Petaluga Road site urged the county to seek alternative locations, citing concerns about children’s safety, property values and lack of prior outreach. Supporters, including service providers and people with lived experience of homelessness, said the county needs a dedicated shelter and case management capacity rather than continuing to rely on motel placements.

The proposed local law and legal basis

County staff read a written notice stating the legislature would consider a local law to authorize a lease of county property on Petaluga Road for operation of a housing service center and shelter, and that the lease term could be “not to exceed 25 years.” The notice cited New York State County Law (section cited in the hearing as "section 215") and New York State Municipal Home Rule Law section 24; the presentation also referenced New York State Controller opinion 68-857. A…