The mayor of Southampton is working to save and keep a locally-run businesses in the village.

The owner of Schmidt's Market, Dennis Schmidt, told News 12 they were closing after four decades because rent prices were too high.

As one of the only locally run markets in Southampton, Mayor Jessica Warren says if the market never reopens, it's time to think about the next best thing.

"I think our residents and stakeholders would really love to see Schmidt's continue to operate in Southampton village, but if that is not an option, I think the next best thing is to have workforce housing in our village," Warren says.

According to the Long Island Workforce Housing Act, that means housing where rent must be limited based on the area mean income of individuals and families at or below 130% of the median income for the Nassau/Suffolk primary statistical area.

Warren says because of a comprehensive master plan the board passed in September, which calls for 100% workforce housing for the area, it could become a reality.

Schmidt tells News 12 it does not look like they are close to renewing their lease for a price they can afford.

He also told News 12 that his two sons were at the market cleaning things out, and that since they closed, around 100 cars a day still show up to the market.