Letters

It has taken me a few weeks to respond to the recent “Cup o’ Joe” newsletter, where Executive Editor Joe Shaw ventured onto an editorial limb, venting about village issues, particularly the controversy surrounding Pond Lane. Let’s set the record straight.

First, a beautiful proposal, indeed, was submitted to convert the vacant parcel of land into a park. However, this initial proposal did not involve closing Pond Lane. The subsequent idea of transforming Pond Lane into a bike and walking path — what I regard as “the bike path to nowhere” — is impractical at best.

You implied that I accused supporters who live along the lake of backing this closure to boost their property values. Please give me more credit than that, or perhaps brew yourself a stronger cup of coffee.

Today, our village is undeniably bursting at the seams, with many residents resistant to traffic passing through their streets and lanes. Just this past Thursday evening, on the eve of the July Fourth weekend, I observed a police car and cones blocking Pond Lane at the Ox Pasture Road continuation, a clear indication that the village’s recurring “traffic studies” are underway yet again.

I find it ironic (and somewhat amusing) that proponents of this “world-class park” and bike path believe it will significantly reduce runoff into Lake Agawam. The reality is far simpler: Runoff from surrounding homes contributes far more to lake pollution than this modest stretch of Pond Lane ever could.

To clarify, I have never claimed Pond Lane to be a critical traffic valve for the village. However, many residents, including myself, do sense something more self-serving behind these proposals.

Southampton was once a peaceful haven, where driving was an uncomplicated pleasure. Today, navigating our streets often means confronting frustration and entitlement. Whether at the deli or a restaurant, or with village politics, throwing one’s weight around seems to have become the norm. This shift is precisely where my frustration lies.

Peter Marino may be a world-renowned architect, but his designs often overlook the quiet charm and history of Southampton. Consider the old library on Jobs Lane, now Marino’s private art gallery: a dark, uninviting presence at one of the village’s most visible corners, blinds permanently drawn, rarely open to the public.

Despite this, Marino’s park proposal is admittedly lovely but contingent upon closing Pond Lane. This condition reveals an underlying motive: As the saying goes, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”

Personally, I cherish every vantage point of Lake Agawam, walking or driving. Yes, improve the land and enhance plantings along the lake — absolutely. But leave Pond Lane, perhaps repaving it for everyone’s benefit. It’s a simple solution that preserves what we love about Southampton.

Erin Hattrick Meaney

Southampton