Community Corner

Veterans Speak Out Against East Hampton Sign Concept

A local controversy has been brewing in town over a proposed welcome sign that could be placed on a small tract of East Hampton typically reserved for land recognizing veterans.

What began as an artistic sketch of a potential “Welcome to East Hampton” sign has escalated into a local issue among some town residents.  

A welcome sign that was originally located on a traffic island in the center of town was damaged during the February blizzard. So, Town Manager Mike Maniscalco asked Town Council Chairwoman Sue Weintraub to draft up a new design to replace the former blue traffic circle sign, according to CTNow.com.  

But members local veterans are opposed to the new proposed design, with some saying it could lead to unwanted advertising.

WFSB reported Tuesday that the island, which is state property, is the place where the VFW 5095 places yellow ribbons in honor of those currently serving in the military. They told the station they were worried about the new sign's impact and would rather see the sign placed elsewhere in town and not on the island.

"We've got Air Force men here, Marines, soldiers and sailors, they went off to Iraq Afghanistan," VFW member Lou Carillo told WFSB. "They all placed a yellow ribbon here and when they returned, we took their yellow ribbon off with their parents."   

The issue was reportedly taken up during a Town Council meeting Tuesday evening, the station reported.

Editor's Note: This story previously incorrectly stated that the Chatham Party was opposed to the new sign design. Members of the party had actually proposed the sign. This has since been corrected.


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