Government

Hearings in Greenport on rental law & water quality

The public debate on Greenport’s proposal rental regulation law for residential properties will continue tonight.

The public hearing will take place during the board’s regular meeting at 6 p.m. at the Third Street fire station.

Village officials have said the code would help eliminate illegal apartments, which can lead to excessive traffic, parking problems, a strain on municipal services and general public health and safety concerns.

During the first hearing hearing last month critics called the draft law “cruel,” “unjust, and “over the top.”

Those found in violation could face fines of up to $5,000 or imprisonment.

The board tonight will also hold its annual public hearing to discuss federal and state mandates, commonly known as MS4, aimed at improving water quality.

Under orders from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state Department of Conservation, the village is required improve quality in waters that fail to meet federal clean water standards and record and report each plan developed and each step taken.

The MS4 designation means the village must develop, implement and enforce a stormwater management program requiring developers to submit more stringent pollution prevention plans to ensure building projects don’t contaminate wetlands.

The MS4 hearing will take place during the board’s regular meeting at 6 p.m. at the Third Street fire station.

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