Let's Talk

It felt like a bridge being built merely by getting the two men in the same room, and talking.For all the topics discussed — the scourge of “triple net leases” (where merchants are forced to pay taxes and insurance in addition to rent), the promise of a nascent arts district on Jobs Lane, the flaccid attempts to make downtown more walkable and bike-friendly, the many challenges and options for parking — that is the important takeaway from Friday’s conversation. There must be more give-and-take on all of these topics, and more. If it’s not happening organically these days, seeds must be forced. That’s on the village officials, sure, but not solely. Every quadrant of the village community has a role to play and should participate in the conversations, and also start them. Walk into a store — and talk. Bring together property owners — and talk. Begin to foster a sense of community that clearly is lacking at the moment, and create an atmosphere for creative solutions.

Beau Hulse, owner of a local real estate firm and a member of the panel, is hardly an introvert, but even he acknowledged, “I should go out and shake a hand, and also bring these ideas.” He surely will do that, and others should follow his lead. Should Nugent Street become a mecca for nightlife, in an effort to change Southampton Village’s reputation as stodgy and passé among the younger set? Should property owners who have empty storefronts face municipal action to get them filled — or pay a fine? Will one of the many new parking apps be a solution in a village often choked with traffic? Is marketing the village as a destination instead of relying on its reputation an answer? How can the village jump-start the “arts district” concept with a growing Southampton Arts Center presence and a soon-to-arrive museum founded by Peter Marino?Southampton Village is a quiet village. That has to end: Nothing happens in a vacuum. The Press Sessions are designed to spark conversations, because that’s how partnerships begin. The spark needs to be fanned into a full flame. How does that happen? Let’s talk about that.