Rentals are wrong choice for Patchogue

Regarding "A positive in Patchogue" [Editorial, March 7], I have lived in a home on Jennings Avenue for 11 years and I have grown to love this village. Its rich history fascinates me. Yet, when I visit places like Cape May, N.J., I cringe, because our town was not as lucky in terms of preservation. In its heyday, Patchogue was even more magnificent in terms of architecture and the shopping Main Street had to offer visitors.

In light of my wish to see Patchogue get back some of its past charm, I was very excited to hear that a hotel with first floor retail was planned to replace Swezey's. After all, this idea is in keeping with the history of the four corners, which were at the heart of a lively village 100 years ago. We have had grand hotels, like Roe's, on this street before. The idea of a hotel -- a public space on a public street -- seemed in keeping with bringing Patchogue back to what it once was.

However, the plans have changed. I am not against rental units. However, I think that the four corners is an inappropriate spot for them. Main Street should be a public space. Retail, eateries, theaters and galleries belong there. I don't want the look of the center of our Main Street to be controlled by the occupants of 291 apartments.

In addition, I'm afraid that the need for adequate parking will ultimately spill out onto Jennings Avenue, creating congestion and transience on the block where my children play. Our village deserves to be awesome again, and this plan no longer feels right to me.

Loren Christie

Patchogue