Montauk: At the Crossroads, What's Next?

      Although actually discovered first, Montauk was the last hamlet of the south fork to be settled. Some believe it was the LIRR coming out in 1896, or the Military in 1898, or during WWII, but the truth is Montauk has always been "different." Its rugged coastline , ponds, lakes, and topography has always attracted a unique type of personality to harness the scope of what it takes to live all year round on "the end."

      Montauk has changed quite a few times in the last hundred years, and has been saved from huge changes a few times. Carl Fisher had his dream of making Montauk, "The Miami of the North," but failed. Larry Penny and so many others helped stop the development or "Canp Hero" and what is now Shadmoor State Park. In fact Mr. Penny showed me on a huge map how over 51% of Montauk is either, State, Federal, County or Town Park land.

       So, why the fuss lately? Some believe the newest young visitors have no respect for the legacy of Montauk. Others think the "money" of the Hampton's Real Estate greed mongers has taken dead aim at the. hamlet. The truth is it is a miracle Montauk has stayed so unique with the so many motel rooms, bar/restaurants and parks.

       A new administration has been elected to run the Town of East Hampton and  many are looking on how they attempt to manage the "Montauk Situation." Passions run high because Montauk touches everyone very deeply somehow, someway. The fishing is real good, the beaches are special, the views everywhere are amazing, and the road ends in a Lighthouse circle