East Hampton still chewing over affordable rental law

The East Hampton Town Board will hold a second public hearing Thursday to consider an updated bill that would allow homeowners to build and rent affordable apartments in their backyards. Initially proposed in September, the measure now stipulates that only lots 40,000 square feet or larger could qualify for a detached apartment structure, after residents voiced concern in the previous hearing about consequences of increased densities. Proponents say the law would add to the town’s lacking affordable housing supply, though it’s unlikely many homeowners will be stirred to act. [27East] — Cathaleen Chen