Letters

Southampton is one of the most iconic villages on Long Island. It is renowned for its charm, historic architecture, natural beauty and status as a popular summer destination.

Sadly, that charm is becoming an endangered species.

Just recently, an enormous industrial-looking structure was erected in the Lake Agawam parking lot to provide additional solar power to the village [“Mayor Defends Installation of Solar Canopy in Jobs Lane Parking Lot as Some Residents Object,” 27east.com, May 2]. While I applaud the effort of the village to introduce more solar power, this site is completely inappropriate and not at all in keeping with the character of our downtown. This massive structure is situated within yards of the historic World War I monument, which still languishes in neglect, and within steps of Jobs Lane, one of the oldest streets in our historic district.

In addition, just up the block, new traffic lights have been installed on the corner of Jobs Lane and Main Street. These new lights, unlike others in the village, are configured on an enormous, oversized and elongated arm that reaches across the entire intersection — and is located right in front of the oldest Presbyterian church in the country. Last year, an awkward and unexpected traffic island appeared on Hill Street at one of the key visual gateways to our downtown. It is now my understanding that there are plans to erect a 125-foot cell tower behind the Windmill Lane firehouse. One can only wonder how these decisions were made, considering their surroundings?

Updating infrastructure is important. However, these recent additions, rather than enhancing and preserving the character of our lovely and historic downtown, have done just the opposite.

Laurie Cameron Carson

Southampton Village