Over the past two years, Patchogue has aggressively moved to eliminate illegal housing, but some residents feel the village's efforts aren't solving the real problem.

According to Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri, the village has closed down at least 10 illegal boarding houses in the past two years. One house on South Ocean Avenue had about 30 people living in it. In another of the village's methods, Patchogue has made it illegal for real estate agents to show or list houses featuring illegal apartments. The agents face fines of up to $1,000.

While many residents agree with the mayor's determination to end overcrowding, others believe it ignores the lack of affordable housing.