Ulster committee backs study on modular housing production; members debate economic risks

Ulster County’s Ways and Means Committee on May 14 approved a study to evaluate the feasibility of attracting a modular housing manufacturing operation to the county, with the county contract and scope described by Deputy County Executive Lamento and county planning staff. The study will examine demand, appropriate production scale, site-selection factors (including highway access), and the county’s potential role in attracting or supporting a manufacturer.

Deputy Executive Lamento said the study has two parts: first, to determine market demand and the scale of a viable plant; second, to evaluate potential locations in Ulster County and the infrastructure needs (zoning, utilities and highway access). Lamento said modular production can reduce unit production costs by about 20% in some cases, and the study will test whether a local business case exists. He emphasized early-stage goals: market analysis and siting recommendations.

Legislators acknowledged potential benefits — more local jobs and lower construction costs — but several warned about the risks of public-sector involvement in subsidizing or promoting a private factory. One legislator noted a historical example in the county where a past modular manufacturer experienced a difficult downturn, saying such ventures can create local disruption if demand falls. Another concern raised was whether county support could disadvantage existing private vendors already operating in the region.

What the committee did: After discussion, members voted to adopt the resolution authorizing the study. The transcript records both supportive comments and at least one no vote on the measure; the study will proceed through planning and vendor‑contracting steps as authorized.

Why it matters: County-sponsored studies can shape local economic-development strategies and potential public investments; a finding that a viable manufacturing plant is feasible could lead to targeted outreach, incentives or zoning changes, while an adverse finding would caution against further public investment.

Next steps: Planning staff will complete the study scope with the vendor and return findings and recommendations to the legislature; the county did not commit to building or subsidizing a plant — the study is analytic and will recommend whether and how the county could pursue manufacturing production capacity locally.