
The developer looking to build a new supermarket in Westhampton Beach this week demanded the resignation of Village Board member Sue Farrell, stating in a letter delivered to Mayor Conrad Teller that she was unfit to serve based on her recent actions in cyberspace.
Andrew Mendelson of Westhampton, whose attempts to hold a meeting to discuss his plan, which requires a change of zone, were rebuffed by the mayor last month, is taking issue with Ms. Farrell’s decision to hit the “like” button on an inflammatory comment posted under a recent news story published on The Press’s website, 27east.com.
The anonymous comment, posted by a person who uses the screen name “Frank Wheeler,” suggests that the Stop & Shop in Hampton Bays is a better option for local residents. The commentator then states: “Mendelsen [sic] should stop sniveling—he’s a typical developer who isn’t getting his way. And after what he contributed to the death of Riverhead’s wonderful Main Street, he SHOULD have been executed!”
Mr. Mendelson was the developer behind the Riverhead Center shopping center on Route 58, which features a Home Depot, a Pier 1 and other retail stores.
“There comes a point where you have to draw the line, and this is it—when town officials think, somehow, that I should be executed for bringing forth an idea,” said Mr. Mendelson.
Ms. Farrell, who said she almost never responds to online news stories, said she agreed with the first part of the comment, the portion stating that the Stop & Shop—where she shops herself—was more convenient. She said her decision to hit the “like” button did not support the suggestion that the developer be “executed.”
“What does he think, that I’m a killer?” Ms. Farrell asked.
As for the mayor, he has no plans to ask for her resignation.
“I fully support any of my trustees who speak out,” Mr. Teller said. “The Constitution gives us the right to speak.”
As for running for Mayor, he'd have to live in the Village, which he doesn't.
"Mom and Pop" businesses simply cannot achieve the cut rate, bulk buying power of a mega corporation, and their presence (mega corporation) has ended the existence ...more of such small business across this nation, not just in Riverhead.
But, it was not so long ago that many people had to "close shop". Remember that Riverhead not only applied for, and received Federal dollars to revitalize Main St. thanks in no small part to Tim Bishop. It has been a fairly big project to get it to where it is as you see it now.
The shops that are there now are wise to close after Labor Day. Those of us who seek winter gear at a hypoxic prices go to Southampton Village.