Letters

I saw an eye-opening full-page advertisement for an event with the headline “Change Is Coming to Hampton Bays.” Well, I wanted to see what was going to change.

Apparently, no change is actually coming to Hampton Bays — it was just an old P.T. Barnum trick that cost me $45 [“New Voices, Applause for Hampton Bays Downtown Revitalization Concept at Express Sessions Event,” 27east.com, May 3].

What I did see was wishful thinking from a wannabe developer. It takes a lot more than a pile of money (and an insincere looking and feeling “heartfelt vision”) to be a real developer. This was just another ploy to try to show public support for his development and housing projects next to Good Ground Park.

Sort of like the “survey” that was sent out. The town supervisor tried to read the results of that survey out loud, but before he could finish, he was heckled about how loaded the questions were.

I would rather see the town supervisor fight to keep our beautiful Good Ground Park park-like! I, for one, don’t want to look at the back of Alfred Caiola’s housing projects and development while strolling through the park. I would prefer to see trees. The trees running parallel to the left side of the park as you pull in are the buffer between Main Street and the park. This wooded buffer should be saved for future generations.

Although the town’s housing and sewage issues are real, this project is a bad solution. There are other resources and means to help with those issues. Alfred Caiola’s development and housing projects will destroy the business district while it ruins our newest park.

We need to make Hampton Bays beautiful by encouraging smart development of the existing properties and businesses in our business district. How about a study on that? How about tax incentives, relaxed codes and possibly grant money for those who are in the business district? If you make money available to upgrade storefronts, building facades and parking lots, things will shape up around town in short time.

And did I hear Alfred use disparaging words about our honorable Hampton Bays Fire Department while explaining his plan? Apparently, the department would not allow him to use its property to further this ridiculous plan. How arrogant to even ask.

It feels more like he is trying to create some sort of “Alfredsville,” or maybe a Potters Field alongside our park. Let’s be clear about one thing: The only one benefiting from Alfred Caiola’s plan is Alfred Caiola.

I don’t want to be silenced, “neutralized” or discredited! The plans for a sewer plant in the middle of our hamlet were rejected. He lost his case in court (thanks, Gayle). No forward momentum or “change” was apparent.

Hey, Press — stop the spin!

Michael Broidy

Hampton Bays