To the editor:

Once school’s out for the Summer, thousands of families flock to second homes and camps in the “Yiddish Alps” to escape the city heat. Though this does boost Sullivan County’s economy, many residents are starting to feel the squeeze from the boa constrictor that is gentrification.

Gentrification is when higher income residents see “cheap” real estate and start buying up land, thus displacing the pre-existing “low income” citizens.

Though the term is usually used in urban areas, this definition applies all too well to rural Sullivan County.

Sullivan County’s government writes that its population “is estimated to triple during the summer season” from about 80,000 to 240,000. That’s right, triple. The amount of cars, people, and mouths to feed triples during the Summer. According to Country House Realty, housing prices in Sullivan County went up 84% between 2019 and 2024. Many pre-existing houses are bought by Airbnb or second homeowners, with many of the new housing developments that have popped up being exclusively available to part-time residents. This leaves nowhere for full-time residents to go.

Not only are there not enough homes for both year-round residents and second homeowners, but there aren’t enough resources. In early July, Monticello residents were asked to conserve water due to Kiamesha Lake running low. Though, this isn’t new. Majorly developed towns are often forced to conserve water in peak tourism Summer months, despite these months being when Sullivan County experiences the most rainfall.

The question isn’t just whether or not Sullivan County’s infrastructure can handle its population tripling for a few months every year, but can its residents?

The lakes are running low, and Sullivan County is starting to feel tight. The boa constrictor that is gentrification has begun to squeeze, and the question is: are you the snake, or the prey?

Logan Weyant

Grahamsville, NY