Sam Raudins reports in Columbia-Greene Media that Greenport is the latest locality to consider short-term rental regulations to combat skyrocketing local rents. Currently there are fewer apartments and homes to rent or purchase, and more people trying to rent or buy homes in the Hudson Valley. When supply falls, and demand rises, prices go up. Part of the reason supply is down is that people are converting apartments and houses from long-term rentals or purchases, to short-term rentals. That trend is fueled by a lack of local hotel rooms. Local governments have few options: create incentives to build hotel rooms and apartments, and regulate short-term rentals. “Limiting the number of short- term rentals will preserve the supply of affordable dwelling units available for longer-term rentals or home ownership in the town of Greenport and maintain the traditional character of its neighborhoods,” the proposed Greenport law reads in part. Greenport held its first public hearing on the issue Nov. 3, and holds another Dec. 1. The proposed Greenport law would limit short-term rentals to Greenport property owners who reside in the town for at least 50 days per year. Short-term rental applicants could only operate three rental sites, and would need site plan approval from the planning board and register with the town clerk, under the proposal. The City of Hudson and the villages of Catskill and Philmont have also recently passed similar laws. Hunter and Windham have discussed regulations, but have not passed any. Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.