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Public commenters urge county to pursue $8 million transitional housing, cooling centers and bus shelters
Summary
Public speakers at the Government Services meeting urged the county to accept $8 million for transitional housing operated by a vetted partner, pushed for county-coordinated cooling centers and air-conditioning assistance, and demanded better bus shelters and dorm repairs to support the college.
Residents and advocates used the public-comment period to press the county on housing, cooling and transit infrastructure.
Kenneth Wampler, a resident with prior experience developing supportive housing programs, urged the county to accept $8 million in public funding for transitional housing and to partner with a provider he said has a good reputation. "Supportive housing works, and it is fiscally responsible," Wampler said, calling opposition "NIMBY" and urging the county not to deny funding because of local prejudice. He offered to review staffing plans and requested a site visit to an operating facility run by the vendor he referenced.
Star Hesse, representing the Senior Legislative Action Committee, asked about cooling centers and whether the county operates a formal county-run cooling program. County staff said Sullivan County does not operate county-run cooling centers but helps publicize locations such as libraries and town halls. Officials noted the state currently does not subsidize cooling centers in the same way it does some warming-center services. Hesse and others urged stronger outreach; staff pointed to HEAP air-conditioner assistance that opened in April and encouraged eligible residents to apply.
Other public commenters raised related concerns: one asked about dorm repairs at SUNY Sullivan and said the college's programs and sports are suffering without dorm capacity; another urged installation of shaded bus shelters to protect riders from heat.
Speakers framed housing, cooling and transit infrastructure as linked public priorities that affect vulnerable residents, older adults and students, and called on county officials to move past vocal opposition when public funds and experienced partners are available.
