Letters

The proposed site for a new Water Mill fire substation on Upper Seven Ponds Road has been roundly, and correctly, criticized for myriad reasons, most of which already have been detailed in letters to this newspaper.

There is a superior alternative. A property is up for sale at the intersection of Montauk Highway and Willow Road. The advantages over Upper Seven Ponds Road are clear:

1. It is more centrally located within the hamlet, reducing roll time to more Water Mill properties.

2. Fire response time will be substantially improved, as the property permits immediate access onto Montauk Highway and points west, east and south, as opposed to having to navigate a heavily trafficked back road and cross over railroad tracks.

3. The property also allows northerly access on Willow Road, a much less traveled thoroughfare than those emanating north from Upper Seven Ponds Road.

4. The property is in a commercially zoned area and will not compromise the residential character of the neighborhood, as it will on Upper Seven Ponds Road.

5. Homeowners’ real estate values will not be adversely impacted.

6. The Willow Road site does not present a threat to wetlands.

7. A Montauk Highway location should permit faster access by our firefighters.

Other town firehouses and substations are logically located on major roads. So if there truly is a need for a Water Mill substation, let’s be smart and locate it in a place which benefits our community, and volunteers, the most.

Rik Kristiansson

Water Mill