What Our Readers Think: Neptune's To Become a Museum

On Thursday, the Town of Southampton voted to purchase the Dune Road Club, Neptune's for $3.2 million and set aside $1.5 million to transform it into a museum dedicated to an African American Coast Guard Station that once stood on the property. 

The town also plans to construct a 500-foot board walk at the site, connecting it to the town's Tiana Beach. 

Related Reading: Town Buys Neptune's, Plans to Transform It Into a Museum

Learning about the project, Patch readers had a lot to say, both in support and in opposition of the project. The following is a round-up of what they had to say.  Feel free to keep the conversation going by posting your thoughts in the comment section below. 

james kappers: I would rather of seen the campground that was once proposed to bring more revenue into the town and help diminish our overall debt and lower our taxes.

Sarah Kerr. I am thrilled that Hampton Bays will have a historical museum as an attraction added to our beautiful natural dune beach. Hampton Bays' history should be preserved and utilized as an attraction to our community. This is a very interesting part of WWII history - our war against Hitler's hatred while we remained ourselves a segregated nation even in our armed services. I believe that this museum will bring revenue at the same time that it will educate and make us a more inclusive and welcoming community.

jim: Wasn't the land preservation fund's meant for vacant land only,another building taken off the tax rolls ,this town is getting like East Hampton used to be,using town funds for a select few in the know.Who is going to build and maintain this new museum over the years? We are with our high taxesThis board should run for Congress,they sure know how to spend other people's money.

jen: Why not just bulldoze the place and leave it. Better option than wasting money on a museum no one will ever go to. But at least that drug infested place will be gone.

Honkus: I like the idea of a museum and the boardwalk but who will maintain this? I also don't think this very specific museum will bring in much revenue. It's not mainstream enough, kids will not go, therefore families will pass. I don't think the locals can support it alone. Why not make it a clam bar, surf shack. Thats all we want!!

Ruth Bruun: wonderful idea.

jackrabbit.jb19: What a wonderful idea is right. Spending 4.4 mil the town should make its money back in no time. What's the average? 12 good weekends a year? Parking $100, Entrance tickets $50, Snacks for a family of 4 at the Museum concession stand $75, The Town thinking this is a good idea.......Priceless.

cbg: What a bad idea. I can't believe this. What is so interesting about an African American Coast guard station that was there nearly hundred years ago. Interesting NOT! I wouldn't spend a dime to go in there. We need something entertaining and fun.

Brendon Henry My thought is we need new idea people in the town.

Colleen McHugh Corrigan: My opinion is that I don't think many people on a beautiful sunny beach day will want to visit a museum. A restaurant/catering hall is a much better idea.

Ryan Gregor There's already a hall right next door.. We all see how often that gets rented out.

Cecelia Collins Sheridan What!? A museum at the beach!? Doesn't make sense and how does it generate much revenue? All this because a few neighbors complained?

Joseph McDowell That sucks!

Kim Z McDowell Museum?? Really??