Growing costs put Freeport's Nautical Mile fest at risk

The Village of Freeport is considering canceling its annual Nautical Mile festival this summer due to mounting costs.

The possibility was discussed publicly at a board meeting Monday night attended by more than 70 people and came in response to a question from a village resident.

Deputy Mayor Robert T. Kennedy said he had been in discussions with the Freeport Chamber of Commerce and "90 percent of the Chamber said they didn't want it."

The event would cost the village an estimated $250,000 for fire, police and emergency services at a time when the village is looking for ways to cut costs.

Resident Michael Raab questioned the feasibility of not holding an event "that's become an icon" throughout Long Island.

Kennedy invited residents to a meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Village Hall to discuss the issue with members of the Chamber of Commerce.