Town sets up sites for Internet access

Lisa Agosti needed to start her vacation. But after five days without power and four days of limited cellphone service, she had no way at her Huntington home to check whether the roads leading to her New Jersey destination were open.

So she went to Huntington Town Hall Wednesday to use the computer work stations there.

"This has been a lifesaver," Agosti said. "I have no cell service, but at least I was able to get information from the Internet."

Town officials set up facilities where residents and businesses can recharge electronic devices and get Internet access after hearing from frustrated residents.

"Cellphone capability and Internet access are no longer luxuries in today's technologically dependent society," Supervisor Frank Petrone said.

Room 114 at town hall, which is handicapped accessible, opened with 10 computer work stations and power strips for cellphone charging.

Ann Rathkopf, who works from home, was happy to find the town had set up wireless Internet service.

"I'm surprised there aren't more people here," Rathkopf said. "It's convenient, and easier than finding someone who has Internet access."

The room will be open through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. If a substantial amount of power has not been restored by Tuesday, the room will reopen and stay open as needed, officials said. It will not be open during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The following Huntington public libraries also are allowing residents to charge phones and medical equipment, use computer work stations, and wireless networks for the next two weeks: Commack, Elwood, Harborfields, Northport/\East Northport, South Huntington, and Half Hollow Hills.