Letters

The people of Hampton Bays are being discriminated against, treated with inequity and no respect from Southampton’s government officials. Could it be that our hamlet is discriminated against because of our large minority population, working class and seniors?

This discrimination has gone on for many years; however, in recent days, the people of Hampton Bays are fighting back. Yet, even though the people of Hampton Bays have vocalized their discontent and concerns over several issues, the Southampton Town government, boards and councilpeople, have not backed down with their agenda to develop the Bel-Aire Cove Motel property into housing, and to place two battery storage facilities close to densely populated areas.

So that brings me to another question: Why are our voices not being paid attention to? We signed petitions, held a rally, attended board meetings and have spoken, attended listening sessions, and wrote many letters in The Southampton Press, with no resolve.

Why is it an excellent idea to protect, expand and fund waterfront access at Agawam Park in Southampton, and not an excellent idea to protect and provide waterfront access at the former Bel-Aire Cove Motel property in Hampton Bays? Why was it a wonderful idea to purchase development rights, without retaining ownership, to a waterfront property for over $10 million in Sag Harbor, with limited public access, and not a wonderful idea to protect the Bel-Aire Cove Motel waterfront in Hampton Bays, bought by the town for $1 million, which would allow for unlimited public access? Why are there two battery storage facilities planned only in Hampton Bays, the most densely populated hamlet in all of the Town of Southampton?

We are not the rich and famous who walk the streets of other nearby villages. We are a hamlet of diverse, hardworking, decent people who want to see our waterfront protected, who want to have access to our waters, and who want to be safe from the potential dangers inherent to battery storage facilities.

We want our hamlet and ourselves to be treated with equity and respect, and we want our voices heard. We do not want to face discrimination because our community includes minority groups, working class and senior citizens. Our voices count just as much as the residents of Southampton Village and Sag Harbor.

The time is now for our elected officials in the Town of Southampton, particularly the councilpeople elected to represent Hampton Bays, to step up and support the people in the hamlet of Hampton Bays getting their fair treatment.

Daria Roulett

Hampton Bays