Reported 8 months ago
High housing costs on Martha's Vineyard are pushing regular workers to leave the island, with the average vacation home rent at $6,500 a week, causing a severe impact on public safety as essential roles like correctional officers and 911 dispatchers are hard to retain. Landlords prioritize short-term tourists over residents, leading to a significant decrease in the year-round population and a shift in income distribution. Efforts are being made to address the issue, such as a proposed $6.5 billion housing bill by the state House to boost affordable housing.
Source: YAHOO