Let me first tell you of a conversation I had with a client about a meeting we were to have – she asked me which Town & Country office I was at. When I replied the East Hampton Village office of T&C she quickly quipped, “oh, East Hampton…the UNFRIENDLY village”. Offended I asked her why she would say that, to wit she said, “You are the only ones with 1 hour parking – I can’t eat lunch in an hour, I can’t go to the movies in an hour and I certainly can’t shop in an hour, so frankly I don’t go to East Hampton Village any more”. This cut to me quick as East Hampton is my home town. I won’t address the existing issues regarding how ‘commerce’ does not seem to be a good word, but I must address the latest proposal to have LIGHTS OUT AT 11PM.
First there is the safety issue—has anyone discussed this with the EAST HAMPTON VILLAGE POLICE DEPARTMENT?
Secondly, there’s the beauty of our core business district at night when we are all lit up—it’s very inviting! Alive!
Thirdly, from the perspective of business owners, moviegoers are still milling around and diners are walking around town—hopefully—
This is a means of branding to those of us who pay Main Street rents and keep local people employed—especially year round—but that’s another subject.
Bottom line – East Hampton Village is SAFER, MORE ATTRACTIVE & MORE COMMERCE FRIENDLY WHEN THE LIGHTS REMAIN ON!