The article on the dearth of affordable housing on the East End [“‘The Hamptons: No Vacancy’: Scott Bluedorn Illustrates Severity Of East End Affordable Housing Crisis,” 27east.com, March 17] highlights a problem for many natives of the area. Some small steps have been taken to address the issue, including a new tax proposed by Assemblyman Fred Thiele.
Rather than adding another tax, why not use some of the existing millions raised by the current 2 percent Peconic Bay Region Community Preservation Fund transfer tax? In the past five years, the tax has generated over $500 million, with almost $150 million for East Hampton alone.
In 2016, voters approved a provision that allows up to 20 percent of CPF money to go toward water quality initiatives. So if a similar provision is needed to address the affordable housing problem, let’s put it up to the voters.
What better way to help preserve our community than by providing affordable housing for our teachers, police and other natives who grew up in the area and are struggling to stay here?
Jeffrey Close
Springs
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