The Ulster County Legislature voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve the purchase of a new office building located on Joys Lane in Kingston — pending a full environmental review, to consolidate the various offices of the Ulster County District Attorney, the Family and Child Advocacy Center, and the Crime Victims program of the Probation Department at one centralized location.
The resolution was submitted by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, and the Legislature approved the purchase for $3.6 million and approximately $105,000 in closing costs.
The property includes a 17,000-square foot office building, which previously served as the headquarters of the Kingstone Insurance Company, and is in close proximity to the Ulster County Courthouse — an important precondition for a property housing the District Attorney’s Office. The Office of the DA is currently spread across three locations, including the former Key Bank building next to the Courthouse, which is leased by the County, as well as offices at two other locations.
The building to be purchased was constructed in 1985 and has an on-site back-up power system and ample parking. The purchase would also include a duplex that is also owned by the current property owner just next door, and would serve as the new home of the Family and Child Advocacy Center (FCAC) and Crime Victims Unit. The FCAC is currently in leased space on Hurley Avenue in Kingston and the Crime Victims Unit is currently in a County-owned building on Pearl Street.
The new facility will enhance operations and improve efficiency in the DA’s Office and in its coordinated work with the FCAC and Crime Victims Unit.
The Family and Child Advocacy Center (FCAC), a partnership of Social Services and the District Attorney’s Office, seeks to employ the resources and experience of the Ulster County Department of Social Services, the New York State Police, the Ulster County Sheriff's Department, the Kingston Police Department, and the Ulster County District Attorney's Office to investigate incidents of child abuse, domestic violence, and assaults on the elderly. The FCAC, which will relocate to this facility, will benefit from a multidisciplinary team approach in a non-threatening, child-focused environment.
The Crime Victims Unit of the Probation Department will also be relocated to this facility, ensuring that interactions with children, families, and crime victims take place in a setting that meets the highest standards for privacy, comfort, and support. This consolidation will enhance privacy for both staff and victims and improve coordination between units with related work areas.
“I want to thank the Legislature for recognizing the positive impact this purchase and move will have not only for the District Attorney’s Office, FCAC and Crime Victims Unit, but for all the residents who utilize these critical support services,” said County Executive Metzger. “Importantly, this purchase will produce long-term savings to taxpayers by consolidating the offices into one location and terminating leases for two other buildings."
“The acquisition of the Joys Lane properties will enhance the efficiency of our District Attorney's Office and Victim Advocacy Center by bringing the entire team together under one roof. This move will better support staff and strengthen the critical services they provide to our community," said Peter Criswell, Chair of the Ulster County Legislature.
“Today marks a significant day for the Ulster County District Attorney's Office,” said Gina Hansut, Ulster County Legislator and Law Enforcement and Public Safety Committee Chair. “We will finally house the District Attorney's Office, including the Family and Child Advocacy Center and the Crime Victim's Program of the Probation Department, at one location. The building itself, as well as its proximity to the courthouse, is ideal. This has been a priority of the legislature and to see it pass with unanimous bipartisan support illustrates our commitment.”
"Ulster County is fortunate to have the opportunity to invest in the property and buildings at Joys Lane," said Kathy Nolan, Ulster County Legislator and Chair of the Committee on Public Works, Capital Projects and Transportation. "The ideal location, the unique layout and features of the buildings, and the turn-key status of the site and its equipment make this a purchase that will immediately benefit Ulster County residents."
“I am elated about this; it is uplifting for our office morale. This has been a longstanding need for our dedicated staff, the public, and victims for many years. I included the goal of housing ‘Under One Roof’ in my mission statement when I took office in January 2024,” said Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji. “County Executive Jen Metzger, County Legislature Chair Peter Criswell, and Law Enforcement Committee Chair Gina Hansut, and their staff, have worked collaboratively, diligently and persistently to acquire County property to resolve our space nightmare. The purchase of the Joys Lane property represents Ulster County Government’s commitment to public safety, the men and women of the District Attorney’s Office, crime victims of all abilities and ages, and appropriate working environment for the rigorous and challenging work we must do. On behalf of everyone under the DA’s Office umbrella, I express our gratitude to our County Executive and Legislature leaders and their staff for the time, energy, and dedication to achieve this necessity. Salute!”
