Letters

Greed has overtaken the beautiful seaside villages all over the Hamptons. How and why has this been allowed to happen?

As a resident of Southampton Town for over 40 years, more than half my life, I’m astounded and disgusted by the skyrocketing rents that are increasing every year and forcing out educated, stable, good, productive citizens.

After my landlord intended to more than triple my rent, to $3,000 per month, I was evicted from my home of 35 years. The only consolation at this point is that, due to extreme renovations, he has lost two years worth of rent payments.

At the time of my eviction, September 2023, I was alone, with no one to help me, and unable to afford movers or storage for my possessions. I lost everything. I walked away with my clothes and a jewelry box, leaving behind all my furniture, appliances, dishware — everything except items I was able to sell or give to various charities.

I have traveled to Iowa, where I grew up; Albany, where my half sister lives; then back to Hampton Bays, where I rented a room for over a year. Currently, I reside at the Atlantic Hotel, as I refused to go to a rooming house in Medford (wherever that is) to live with complete strangers and pay more rent than I paid in Southampton for 40 years.

I have run an ad in The Press for months but received limited offers. Oh, one woman would rent me a room with a bath — if I first paid for the renovations. Another offered me a camper van for $1,900 a month, winter only.

I’ve been combing the ads for almost three years. Just today, a broker returned my call for an apartment in the village, unfurnished, for $2,500 a month, plus all utilities. “Absurd,” I said and hung up on her. Later, I called back to say that she and her cohorts should be ashamed of themselves for promoting and profiting from such high prices.

What has happened to our beautiful village by the sea? It has been taken over by the 1 percent. I see many teardowns daily. Mega-mansions fill entire properties. And, today, I read that the mayor wants to give tax advantages to rich estate owners.

When and where will it end?

I’m happy here at the Atlantic. The people are wonderful. And I don’t have to sign a lease or pay for utilities. Yet, Saturday I will be checking out another room to rent with a woman who seems quite nice.

I am hopeful.

Dianne Moritz

Southampton