Letters

Margaret Meade has been credited with this quote: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Well, the group of citizens in Hampton Bays who are committed to turning the former Bel-Aire Cove Motel property in our part of the world into a park is anything but small. It is the vast majority of community members I have encountered. We are absolutely outraged that our town officials will not even discuss ways this option regarding the property could be achieved.

Elected town officials, in our opinion, should be prepared to discuss such a decision publicly and at open work sessions. This is not happening. We refuse to take this decision lightly.

I could go on and on about the reasons many Hampton Bays residents are upset. Please read the two Letters to the Editor in the March 2 issue of this paper. Both of the authors, specifically Marion Boden [“Listen to the People”], a true leader in Hampton Bays, and John Roulett [“Another Option”], expressed all the details regarding this decision. I do not feel the need to be redundant, resulting in my letter being too long.

This is not property suited to redevelopment. Drive past and look at the land. It is waterfront, suited to passive parkland and recreational use — a kayak launching site, a small park, benches and just a nice place to relax by Penny Pond.

Elected town officials, you should listen to us, concerned community members, and let us express our views and not shove yours at us.

By the way, the views of Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning, reported to the Town of Southampton in March 2019 are that the plan of the town “constitutes the unwarranted over-intensification of the use of the premises.” However, the decision of elected town officials is to do what they want, refusing to even listen and allow us to communicate our views and suggestions.

Lorry Werner

Hampton Bays