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Board discusses 'good cause' eviction option and rent-cap approaches amid housing concerns
Summary
Town board members reviewed a 'good cause' eviction proposal and related rent-cap mechanics (linking allowable increases to the Consumer Price Index plus an added percentage, and limiting LLC-owned unit aggregation); public commenters urged stronger tenant protections and noted local rents are high.
A council member introduced discussion of adopting a "good cause" eviction law and related rent-cap measures to protect long-term tenants from sharp rent increases and serial displacement.
The board heard an explanation of typical elements: protections for tenants who pay rent and do not violate lease terms; mechanisms to limit large numbers of rental units being held under multiple LLCs; and a formula tying allowable rent increases to the Consumer Price Index, with one speaker describing CPI-plus-5% as an example. The presenter cited models from other municipalities (Beacon, Newburgh, Ithaca) and noted options such as a luxury-exemption threshold and limits based on building size or age. One council member cautioned about statutory threshold requirements for rent-control tools in rural settings (e.g., minimum unit counts or vacancy-rate criteria).
During public comment, a renter said she pays about $1,800 a month for a 500-square-foot apartment and urged the board to consider measures to keep residents in town. Board members suggested further study, potential collaboration with zoning or licensing committees, and outreach to county-level advocates who previously worked on similar proposals. No formal vote to adopt an ordinance was taken at this meeting; the item remains under discussion.
