It is no secret that affordable housing in Sullivan County, in addition to the entire region, can be slim pickings. For many working people, renting property is expensive – running parallel to the cost of living as a whole. But for Monticello, it’s possible that they may be seeing some relief from this ever-pressing issue. 

The sale of the former Sullivan County Jail on Bushnell Ave. in Monticello for only $100,000 has been approved by the County Legislature with the hopes of becoming more housing. Replacing the structures that exist on the decently-sized parcels is a step towards that providing more housing in Sullivan County’s largest village.

And with the price tag being fair in today’s climate, perhaps this indicates lower rents may be available for those who may look to call it home, as the developer will be investing less money than if they were looking to purchase another property four to five times the cost.

Nothing is guaranteed at the moment other than the county wants to sell the property and step away from it. No matter what it gets transformed into, anything is better than watching the continued deterioration of the former jail. Sullivan County has lost its use for it as a place of incarceration, replacing it with the newly built jail on Old Route 17 in Monticello.

Whatever happens to that space, the switch from bars to beds is an idea that makes great sense in today’s housing market and moves to make a change for the better for our County Seat.