For quite some time in this county, there has been scarcely no place, like home, available to live in. This is not unique to our community, not by a long shot, but while other regions were moving to fix the issue before us, we had stagnant property.

But now, there has seemed to be a surge of support for filling the housing void that has made itself apparent these past few years. Some of these proposed locations, however, are the final resting place for various landmarks – like the old county jail and the Monticello Manor.

While it is a bit sad to say farewell to these buildings that mark a place in the various histories around the county, we have to face facts, and the fact is that these spaces are way better utilized as updated, livable housing compared to as they are currently.

Just recently announced to face demolition in the hopes of raising apartments is the Monticello Manor. This building has sat vacant, unusable and undesired since 2008. For 16 long years, the property has done absolutely nothing to positively impact the area and its residents. And this is not the only example. Valuable land such as that belonging to the former Manor has been working against our general interests, and not only that, but abandoned buildings always seem to invite unwanted trespassers, and so-called “explorers.” With all of this fresh in our minds, we are so grateful that organizations and developers are putting their heads together to figure out what could be done.

We applaud Sullivan County Land Bank, RUPCO, Manor Lost Joint Venture LLC, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, all those involved in the rise of sensibility that the people of Sullivan County need decent housing, not derelict eye sores. The responsibility of ensuring affordable housing is more readily available has fallen on your shoulders, but we hope that with you all leading the way, the rest of the county will follow suit in being better suited for its residents.