Hancock Heights residents ask town to address chronic water problems and rising rents

At the April 1 Selectpersons meeting, resident Peter Christph presented statements from several Hancock Heights residents reporting chronic water problems and yearly rent increases and asked the board to consider a rent-stabilization ordinance or moratorium.

Residents told the board many moved to Hancock Heights to retire and now face unreliable water service — some homes reportedly have no water at times or very low pressure, with most problems concentrated on Old County Road, Fiddlehead and Thistle. They also said rents have increased each year for the past three years and that many residents are on fixed incomes.

Nick Branca told the board the CEO of the out-of-state owner has been made aware of the issues and has spoken with Sun Communities, the company identified in the minutes as the park owner. The Selectpersons did not take immediate policy action but voted to review written materials and keep the topic on the agenda for further discussion (motion by Jack Bridges; second by Adam Foster; passed 5/0).

The meeting minutes record that five residents read statements during the item; no direct quotes were captured in the minutes. The board did not commit to a timetable or specify legal authority for rent-stabilization during the meeting; residents requested either a Rent Stabilization Ordinance or a moratorium to protect those on fixed incomes. The minutes do not specify any planned interim remedies for water service or names of town staff assigned to follow up.

The Selectpersons will revisit Hancock Heights at a future meeting after reviewing the submitted materials.