Satisfied With Grocery Shopping Options?

The Southampton Village Board is in the highway business zone, but some critics say the pursuit of a new store is misguided, as Southampton has enough shopping options already.

Village Board members, and some members of the public who came out to speak at hearings, say the village needs a new grocery store, providing an alternative to on Jagger Lane, the village's only supermarket. Board members say they frequently hear from constituents — as many as 100 a year — that the Waldbaum's is inadequate.

point out that there are supermarkets about 15 minutes away from village in either direction: in Bridgehampton, and , and in Hampton Bays.

Critics say the village has no need for more grocery shopping options, as residents can choose from Waldbaum's, the nearby supermarkets, and food markets Schmidt's in the village and Avanti just outside the village in Water Mill. They also point out that the legislation would only provide for a store between 10,000 and 20,000 square feet, much smaller than a true supermarket, which would carry household necessities other than food and actually compete with Waldbaum's.

Where do you stand on the issue? Are you satisfied with grocery shopping options where you live? Would you like to see a new grocery store within Southampton Village? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.