Letters

It’s hard not to notice the wonderful public works improvements around Southampton Village as of late. Many of these are thanks to Deputy Mayor Gina Arresta, the trustee liaison to the Department of Public Works.

To name a few, Gina helped the DPW install five new drainage systems on roads where flooding has been a significant issue, which was especially important after last summer’s heavy rainfall. The village also has continued to add bioswales to aid in clearing stormwater runoff, with successful projects along Windmill Lane and the West Main Street parking lot. An upcoming project will be at Bowden Square.

Gina led the DPW to receive over $1 million in grant funding to repave the West Main Street parking lot behind Rite Aid and Village Hall. This project is a significant upgrade that will benefit both residents and visitors alike.

Gina has also spearheaded important capital improvements: for example, the restoration of Veterans Hall and the Southampton Arts Center, the abatement of lead paint and replacement of rotted trim on Village Hall’s exterior. Additionally, the DPW is refurbishing Village Hall’s interior and the barroom and kitchen floors of Veterans Hall after years of disrepair, ensuring that these spaces are safe and functional.

Neglected under the previous administration, repairs to Village Hall were long overdue. By finally addressing them, the current board has not only eliminated the exterior eyesore for pedestrians walking past Village Hall but also has shown its dedication to the dedicated village employees who work within the space.

In an effort to reduce the village’s carbon footprint, Gina helped commission Johnson Controls to replace old, inefficient mechanical systems in various village buildings with modern, carbon-reducing boilers and furnaces. These updates not only enhance energy efficiency but also reflect her forward-thinking approach to environmental sustainability.

Gina has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in her role as trustee liaison to the Department of Public Works. We’d be fortunate to have another two years of her leadership, ushering important improvements in our community’s infrastructure, safety and sustainability.

Carl J. Grillo

Southampton Village