Opinion: Long Island Proud: What Live Music Brings to Montauk

People who go on vacation to Montauk love to kick back in the hamlet after being kicked around at their jobs and by life. They leave their responsibilities, bills, grass to be cut behind to come to a VERY SPECIAL vacation spot to sample the unique kinetic spirit that is Montauk. Eventually after spending time at the ocean, bays, fishing or just "grilling" in the yard, there is a need to go out and matriculate almost like one did back in college on a Saturday night. And when you are on vacation every night is Saturday night.The idea of hearing a familiar tune and wanting to stand and dance and revel is a unique part of every vacation.

Now I lived in Montauk across from the craziness that is Ditch Plains Beach in the summertime. I had to deal with traffic on DeForrest Road that at times was insane. However I understood those folks were over the moon excited to sample what I experienced all year round. That being the magic of the ocean with the amazing natural beauty of Montauk. Now at 66 years old literally a "sixty-something" guy I understand some folks looking at young people as - wild out of control rude intruders. Then I remember that I was young and people said that about me and my peers. Back then all we wanted to do was celebrate our youth and now being older I am glad I did that when I could.

It is selfish to deny Montauk's visitors that chance. Of course they must respect their elders and the locals with respectable behavior. No public urinating on shrubs etc. However banning live music venues doesn't punish the youth it diminishes what Montauk, the Summer resort haven, offers renters, tourist, second home buyers/owners/prospects and even music loving locals. People are paying huge money to spend a week in Montauk.

Now living up island, I spend more money to stay just 5 days and nights in Montauk in the Summer then it costs me to fly to Cancun, stay at the Fiesta Americana Condesa for "7" nights with all meals drinks and room service included. ($1800 for 2) They have live music every night at venues in the hotel. Understand folks like my wife and I are paying huge money to visit Montauk with weekend rooms priced at $600- $1000 a night and beyond. With food etc. a 5 day stay is easily more then $1800. My point: having live music venues is not the reason people come, but one of the reasons they enjoy their expensive stay.

So when I hear the town wants to use "code" to intimidate and shut down venues in the name of "ear" safety, public safety or for welfare of the residents who dislike the fact that Montauk is in- fact a Summer season resort town its bizarre. People come to Montauk and spend big revenue to sleep, eat, fish, beach, and yes go out at night to kick back and dance and listen to music. Please understand my grandfathers saying about being smart in business and not going too far. He said, "Its one thing to shove an umbrella up someone's rear, but it's something else to then go and open it." The "we want the money but we don't want you," mentality is wrong as is not wise to actually not being supportive of music playing venues that help attract the needed revenue to the area thus increasing property values, rentals, sales of businesses and preserves Montauk. Doing the opposite will kill it off just like some huge Nor'easter massive flooding storm surge can.