‘Modernized’ Emergency Communications Center Coming to New Paltz

There's one question that's been on the mind of Hudson Valley residents who have recently got off the Thruway at exit 18 in New Paltz: what's the deal with the giant buildings suddenly appearing both north and east of the exit ramp?

Besides their size, the two structures couldn't be more different as far as purpose goes. While one building is said to be the beginnings of Ulster County's latest cannabis dispensary, the frame of a 16,000 square-foot building just east of the Thruway on Paradies Lane is the latest evolution of the county's emergency services.

New Emergency Communications Center Coming to New Paltz, NY

The project, helmed by New York City-based Urbahn Architects, will feature two buildings; a 16,000 square-foot primary building and a 4,000 square-foot storage building, in addition to a large parking lot and 75-foot communications tower. Besides upgraded facilities, the move is meant to unite two important arms of Ulster County's emergency services.

What's in Ulster County's New Emergency Communications Center?

The new center will house both Ulster County's Public Safety Answering Point (more commonly known as a 911 center) and the county's Emergency Operations Center. While the 911 center works to quickly dispatch the appropriate emergency services, the Emergency Operations Center has an entirely different purpose.

What Is an Emergency Operations Center?

The new Emergency Operations Center will act as Ulster County's hub for leadership ranging from first responders to government officials in the event of a natural disaster, countywide emergency, or any other serious incident with a scope large enough to require a central meeting point to both determine and execute a response plan.

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Renderings how large, open rooms equipped with the technology required for both 911 dispatch and emergency response. That county also shares that the building sits on a site measuring 57.3 acres, which provides additional room for expansion. Speaking of emergency response in New Paltz, check out what happened when a bear visited SUNY New Paltz below.