During a recent government meeting, community concerns regarding the rental market in Hudson were brought to the forefront by local attorney Enrico, who has been a resident for the past year. Enrico highlighted the issue of rising rents, stating that many rental units in the city are already above market rates. He pointed out that numerous homes on his street remain unoccupied for extended periods, indicating a trend of absentee landlords who do not contribute to the local economy.
Enrico criticized the practice of absentee ownership, arguing that these landlords often delegate property management to third-party companies, further distancing themselves from the community. He emphasized that such arrangements are detrimental, as they shift responsibility away from the owners and fail to foster a sense of community engagement.
He advocated for a shift in the rental landscape, suggesting that Hudson needs more multifamily housing rather than single or two-unit homes, which he believes should be managed by small, local landlords or homeowners. Enrico expressed concern over the influx of investment from outside the community, stating that it enriches individuals and entities far removed from Hudson, such as investors from Brooklyn or Wall Street.
In conclusion, Enrico called for a reevaluation of rental practices in Hudson, urging that the community should prioritize local ownership and management to ensure that housing contributes positively to the local economy and community life.