Montauk Pioneer - February 13, 2009

The 2009 "season" is coming very soon. Once again the magic that is Montauk will be experienced by locals, summer residents and visitors alike. A big draw to Montauk, besides the wonderful ocean, is the quaint charm of the village itself. Relocated after World War II, to its present location from the Navy Road Area, a summer walk up and down Main Street in the full season is very pleasant. This year there will be two major noticeable additions to the hamlet on Main Street. One is the massive expansion of 787 Main Street, which for years has sold choice sweatshirts, T-shirts and other Montauk clothing items. The location is now in the process of almost tripling its space.

When the expansion is complete, it will tower over the neighboring stores. But more charming will be the addition of the three structures that Jeff Esposito has built on his property next to Cromer's. In Dec 2007, Jeff sold his building, which housed the famous Espo's Surf Shop in a barn in East Hampton for a very good price. With the proceeds he invested in Montauk, buying the International market building, which is now leased to Cromer's and purchasing the adjacent land. He also purchased the property where his thriving Surf Shop is located on Napeaque stretch.

But the real story is on what he has done on the property in town. Designing the structures himself, Jeff has built three shingled buildings that have a historical feel. Using large window space, with Cape Cod like shingles and barn doors, the end result is a winner. Perhaps influenced by the historic barn he sold in East Hampton, Jeff has added a very classy look to Main Street. As of now the three structures are not yet rented for the 2009 season. Jeff has no intentions of relocating the Surf Shop into downtown Montauk and in fact, is pleasantly surprised how well the shop is doing at its new location on Napeaque. For many years now, Jeff has been a sponsor of many surfing events held at Ditch Plains with the Eastern Surfing Association. Often he is at the beach setting up tables, banners, registering surfers and handing out tee shirts. He has brought that surfer's shack atmosphere to his new creations. The airy building consists of three floors with basements, large main floors and an upstairs that are accessed by open designed stairwells. At the moment, the floors are wood planks that give an amazing rustic sea village feel. Many are anticipating what kind of businesses are going into the space and peeking inside. It is wonderful to see expansion in a tasteful way, going on in Montauk during these difficult economic times. It is great to see businessmen investing their futures in Montauk's future. Jeff has not chose to save money by building an inexpensive cinder block structure, but went the extra mile to create buildings that are quite attractive to the eye. Even I have been thinking about what could go in those shops, perhaps a glass blowing venture, or custom leather shop. Maybe even a high-end clothing shop like the Ralph Lauren shops that is in the barn Jeff sold.

Anyway you look at it, Montauk is better for Jeff's efforts. The children playing across the street in the school playground will see a refection of our country's heritage, instead of what could have been an eye sore. So if you haven't stopped by, take a closer look and peek inside.