Despite the vociferous demands of a very small group of people — 75 out of a population of 60,000 — please resist the demand to raid the Community Preservation Fund for a building project [“Southampton Town Board Closes Hearing On Community Pool Proposal,” 27east.com, September 23].
When the aquatic center cannot support itself, as is usual with these projects, who will then pay for the upkeep?
The fund was created to acquire and preserve open space, streetscapes, etc. It has been twice raided for quite unrelated expenses, which will drain considerable funds, namely for beach restoration and septic upgrades. Projects currently owned by the town are neglected to the point of ruin (Ellis Squires house, Camp Tekakwitha).
The fact that the aquatic center is not within the purview of the fund is demonstrated by the need to once again get the state to approve a change in use of the tax. Open space and land acquisition should remain the focus of the fund.
Amy S. Paradise
Hampton Bays
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