Greenport considers changes to rental housing law

<p>The village of Greenport will soon consider changes to its rental housing law in an effort to keep local residents and seasonal employees from being priced out.</p>

News 12 Staff

•

Jul 11, 2017, 10:07 PM

•

Updated 2,719 days ago

The village of Greenport will soon consider changes to its rental housing law in an effort to keep local residents and seasonal employees from being priced out.

Over the past decade, Greenport has become an East End tourist attraction, which has brought in revenue but driven up the cost of housing.

Tourism-related businesses, such as restaurants, are having a tougher time finding seasonal employees.

Noah Schwartz, of Noah's Place, says he was hoping to hire a chef, but finding him an apartment that was reasonably priced in Greenport was "impossible."

Homeowners like Caroline Waloski, who legally rent their homes, hope any changes to local law won't affect them.

"As a designer and an artist, there's not much opportunity in the workforce for me. So, I really need the income to keep affording this place," she tells News 12 Long Island.

The village has planned a public hearing later this month, with a vote planned for August.