The simple quiet existence that is living out on the North Fork in the winter, gives way to rumors and hysteria usually over incorrect information. For years, Greenport and other villages have been resisting large food chain operations and restaurants from situating themselves in the towns and villages because the town and village officials want to preserve certain charm and of course, protect existing business.

But lately, the idea of what Starbucks is going to do and not do has got everybody around Greenport thinking and guessing. After a successful campaign to convince “Subway” the sandwich maker not to fight to establish a facility in Greenport, all eyes are on the Starbuck dilemma. It is not the fear of the coffee to the community, but that by letting Starbucks open, many other national food chain operations may try to follow. Although Starbucks marketing specialist Malvi Shah has reportedly stated that, “At this time there are no specific plans a Starbucks store in the Greenport Village area.”

People are still concerned. Then to add to the drama, Mr. Shah reportedly added that Starbucks, “Is always looking for great locations to better meet the needs of our customers and reach people who may not have the opportunity to visit our store.” What worries some is that a CVS spokesman said almost the exact same thing before the CVS pharmacy instantly appeared in Mattituck. Many wonder if Mr. Shah’s comment are right out of the deny deny deflect corporate handbook on attempting to defuse a town before you blitz in. Added to the speculation is the fact that Gus-Mar Reality owners the Front Street Victorian mall property, has an employee Ms Donna Garrity, who reportedly said, “We had some conversations.” (with Starbucks). “We’re not at liberty to say” whether a deal has been done.

Meanwhile, drainage work has been done at a location that is being speculated to be the proposed Starbucks location. Stores in the Mall are relocating to make room for something. David Abatelli, Village Administrator, has confirmed the drainage system work at the site, but reportedly claims that neither he nor building inspector Eileen Wingate, has any idea what Gus-Mar Reality plans are.

In the recent Subway fight, even a web site at Yahoo called “Unchained Village,” wrote to corporate leadership of Subway to dissuade them from burrowing into Greenport. However, there were no protests against IGA, Bridgehampton Bank and even 7-Eleven when they opened up in Greenport with the rationale being that certain business’s are truly need edand must be tolerated. When asked by some residents to legislate against large chain operations entering Greenport, Mayor Dave Kapell and Trustee Jamie Mills, told the residents they did not believe it was possible to pass any sort of legislation to that aim. Mr. Nyce, a candidate for Mayor in the upcoming March elections, is poised to take action if the so called “threat of a Starbucks” becomes a reality. As Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tip O’Neil once said, “All politics is local.” Stay Tuned.