The Village Station

Aware of how rents for retail space here have escalated, the Long Island Rail Road saw dollar signs when it decided to close several ticket offices on the South Fork.

The demise of these railroad stations reminds us of those erstwhile potato fields that became too valuable as housing to farm. Unlike farmers, however, who could point to an erratic wholesale market for their produce and high property taxes as reasons for selling their land, the L.I.R.R. and its parent agency, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, are supposed to be in the business of public tranportation.

We support East Hampton Village's effort to take over the railroad station here, even if the village has to pay the L.I.R.R. to do so. This is a purchase or lease the village should pursue if a fair price can be agreed upon.

Given its location, the most logical use of the East Hampton station would be as a tourist information office.

We see the station's becoming a central clearinghouse where local organizations would offer brochures and exhibits for the benefit of visitors. For example:

The Chamber of Commerce could provide information on accommodations, restaurants, and activities.

East Hampton Town and Village could explain their regulations on the beaches, on parking in shopping districts, on recycling, and the like. The Town Natural Resources Department could offer booklets on wetlands and other habitats and why we preserve them.

The South Fork Natural History Society, Group for the South Fork, and East Hampton Trails Preservation Society could offer trails maps, guidance about ticks, and listings of their walks and other activities and also mount nature exhibits.

The East Hampton Historical Society could have a standing exhibit on local history and supply information about its tours and events.

Guild Hall, Bay Street Theatre, and other cultural organizations could promote their events, and information on the numerous benefits held here could be posted.

And, last but not least, the Ladies Village Improvement Society could describe its efforts in keeping the village beautiful and could promote its fund-raising activities.

As a bonus, railroad passengers could continue to use the space as a waiting room in cold or rainy weather.

Such a plan would require that some entity, perhaps the village or Chamber, take responsibility as coordinator and overseer. We also would hope the L.V.I.S. and East Hampton Garden Club would continue their excellent work with plantings and maintaining the station's grounds.

Putting the station to this use would be a public service of value to residents and visitors alike - unlike yet another boutique.