news and events

Our monthly meetings are on the 4th Tuesday of the month, and we discuss  issues of importance to the future of Olive, Ulster County, New York State and beyond. All are welcome! Sign up for notifications and other news by emailing us at olivedemocraticparty@gmail.com 

State of the Town of Olive Summary – February 20, 2025, Olive Free Library

Approx. 50 attendees

Supervisor Jim Sofranko Updates:

• Comprehensive Plan: Jim stated that the Comprehensive Plan Committee, led by Drew Boggess, is reviewing the first-ever town plan, covering housing, zoning, land use, traffic, recreation, utilities, and government services. He emphasized that once the draft is approved, public input will be sought, with a hearing planned.

• Zoning: Jim noted that the Zoning Committee is working on long-overdue updates to the town’s 1975 zoning code, which has seen very few amendments over the years.

• Recreation: Jim highlighted Olive’s affordable and well-regarded recreation program, including a summer day camp, adult swim programs, and the Davis Park summer concert. He remarked that other towns are envious of the program’s success.

• Housing: Jim addressed the town’s affordable housing concerns, citing a study showing 23% of homes in Olive are mostly vacant due to second-home ownership, short-term rentals (STRs), or unresolved estates. He explained that Olive’s strict STR law caps non-resident permits at 26, with 75 total active permits. Violators face fines of $500 per rental night. Jim expressed his goal to collaborate with developers to create permanent, affordable housing for the local workforce.

• Shokan Sewer District: Jim acknowledged slow progress, attributing delays to NYC’s budget shortfalls and rising project costs, now estimated at $78M. However, he secured funding through negotiations with the DEP, and the project is expected to go out for bid this summer.

• Conservation & Environment: Jim noted that according to the Comprehensive Plan survey, residents prioritize preserving the town’s rural character. He praised the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) for its work mapping sensitive environmental areas and securing over $100,000 in NYSERDA clean energy grants. These funds will support an energy audit, heat pumps for the Town Meeting Hall and American Legion building,

and insulation upgrades.

• Boiceville Flood Buyout: Jim shared that the town received a $275,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Fund, but he warned that federal funding uncertainty could put it at risk. He added that committees are working with consultants on park plans and updating flood maps for Shokan and West Shokan.

• Infrastructure: Jim announced the completion of a new cold storage building, which extends the lifespan of highway trucks by keeping them indoors and pre-loaded with salt for quick winter storm response. Looking ahead, the town is considering renovations to its offices to add workspace, storage, and possibly a conference room.

Resident Comments:

=> Several residents asked about community electric programs, including a county led public buyout of Central Hudson and Community Choice Aggregation. Jim explained Olive is not moving forward at this time due to uncompetitive pricing.

=> A resident raised the Onteora School District campus proposal, noting the upcoming vote in May and a community forum at the high school. 

=> John Ingram, Zoning Code Officer and a 57-year volunteer firefighter, spoke at length about the Olive Fire Department’s critical role in supporting Olive and neighboring towns. Olive Fire is a volunteer based non profit and an invaluable service to the Town. John also spoke about zoning rules and urged residents to obtain permits for home projects through the Building Department.

=> Some residents requested better town communication, suggesting road signs for meetings and a newsletter for seniors.