Developer Demands Resignation Of Westhampton Beach Trustee

The developer looking to build a new supermarket in Westhampton Beach this week demanded the resignation of Village Board member Sue Farrell, stating in a letter delivered to Mayor Conrad Teller that she was unfit to serve based on her recent actions in cyberspace.

Andrew Mendelson of Westhampton, whose attempts to hold a meeting to discuss his plan, which requires a change of zone, were rebuffed by the mayor last month, is taking issue with Ms. Farrell’s decision to hit the “like” button on an inflammatory comment posted under a recent news story published on The Press’s website, 27east.com.

The anonymous comment, posted by a person who uses the screen name “Frank Wheeler,” suggests that the Stop & Shop in Hampton Bays is a better option for local residents. The commentator then states: “Mendelsen [sic] should stop sniveling—he’s a typical developer who isn’t getting his way. And after what he contributed to the death of Riverhead’s wonderful Main Street, he SHOULD have been executed!”

Mr. Mendelson was the developer behind the Riverhead Center shopping center on Route 58, which features a Home Depot, a Pier 1 and other retail stores.

“There comes a point where you have to draw the line, and this is it—when town officials think, somehow, that I should be executed for bringing forth an idea,” said Mr. Mendelson.

Ms. Farrell, who said she almost never responds to online news stories, said she agreed with the first part of the comment, the portion stating that the Stop & Shop—where she shops herself—was more convenient. She said her decision to hit the “like” button did not support the suggestion that the developer be “executed.”

“What does he think, that I’m a killer?” Ms. Farrell asked.

As for the mayor, he has no plans to ask for her resignation.

“I fully support any of my trustees who speak out,” Mr. Teller said. “The Constitution gives us the right to speak.”