Sag Harbor's own CONPOSH (the Coalition of Neighborhoods for the Preservation of Sag Harbor), which frequently puts together excellent programs on important issues, and the Long Island Progressive Coalition, which has been advocating for more affordable housing in the Towns of East Hampton and Southampton for some time now, are jointly hosting a very important event on the affordable housing crisis on the East End. I strongly urge you to attend. Here's their announcement of the meeting:

On Sunday, August 27, at 4 p.m. CONPOSH and the South Fork chapter of the Long Island Progressive Coalition are co-sponsoring the forum, Who Can Afford to Live in Sag Harbor? at Temple Adas Israel on Elizabeth Street in Sag Harbor.
   
The meeting which is open to the public, will feature a documentary film followed by a panel discussion. The League of Women Voters documentary Trouble in Paradise: the Affordable Housing Crisis on the South Fork will be shown. Following the viewing, there will be a panel discussion featuring NYS Legislator Fred Thiele; Sag Harbor Village Mayor Greg Ferraris; Sag Harbor Village Trustee Tiffany Scarlato,  Barbara Jordan of the East Hampton Town Housing Advisory Board, and a special guest.

The 42-minute documentary includes interviews with a wide spectrum of officials, and business and medical professionals in need of employees to keep our communities functioning. In addition there are testimonials from both young and retired residents in need of middle income housing, including a teacher in the Sag Harbor public schools. The film also provides information to help dispel some of the commonly-held views about affordable housing.

A panel discussion will take place after the film and focus on how to house the middle class in Sag Harbor and the surrounding area. The forum will specifically address legislative techniques the Village can use, such as inclusionary zoning ordinances.

Ms. Jordan, a past co-president of the League of Women Voters of the Hamptons, headed the League’s five-year study of affordable housing and served as the League’s representative on the Town of East Hampton’s  Comprehensive Planning Study. She is currently is serving a five-year term on the Town of East Hampton's Housing Advisory Board, which advises the Town Board on the use of affordable housing funds. She is also serving a five-year term on the Town’s Housing Authority Board, which manages the town’s affordable housing apartments.

The film was produced entirely by local professional talent. Christina Stow of Shinnecock Hills is the director and editor. Eva Moore of Montauk wrote the script. Boss Multimedia Productions of Montauk, which is headed by Ross Rowlinson and Emmy Award-winner Donna Rowlinson, was responsible for the videography. Funds for production were generously provided by the Towns of East Hampton and Southampton, the Donald and Barbara Zucker Foundation, the Bridgehampton National Bank and other benefactors.

Anyone wishing further information about the meeting on August 27 may contact: Priscilla Ciccariello at 631-725-1846, or e-mail: "cilla71 at aol dot com".
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Highly Recommended - ECC