Residents Asking For Cover At Southold Town's Reuse Center, A Treasure Trove Of Finds

PECONIC, NY — There's a spot in Peconic that draws droves of bargain hunters and bonafide collectors each weekend — a reuse center, located at the Southold Town transfer station, where residents can drop off items they no longer need or want and pick up something new, bringing new meaning to the old idiom, "One man's trash is another man's treasure."

In past years, fans of the spot have been known to boast about the best of pickings they've scored, including a storied diamond ring — found in a box amongst a discarded jumble of costume jewelry — signed artwork and sculpture, Tiffany crystal and rare watermelon Depression glass. And that's not to mention the bountiful array of everyday finds including full sets of wicker patio furniture, kitchenware, bicycles, children's toys, books, record albums, and even a kayak with oars.

Now, residents have been asking for a cover for the facility to protect the goods from rain and the elements, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said at a recent work session.

Russell said the idea has been broached in the past but the cover was found to be pricey, at around $65,000; perhaps, he said a more affordable option might be pursued.

Councilman Jim Dinizio said the lack of a cover doesn't seem to have an impact on the brisk trade taking place at the reuse center. "If you come by on a Saturday or Sunday, it doesn't seem to hold them back," he said.

He added that a hoop building might be an option but he wasn't sure that type of structure would be able to withstand heavy wind. And, he said, even a hoop structure could cost between $20,000 and $30,000.

Also, Dinizio said, if rain did damage some of the goods left there, meaning they'd have to be tossed, it would allow for additional space for residents to bring new items. If the site is protected, the spot will become filled with weeks' worth of items and cluttered, Dinizo said.

Russell pointed out that when the items are ruined, removing them needs to be done at a cost to Southold Town. He said there's no reason items couldn't sit for some time.

The board discussed the logistics of the reuse center: Items must be in decent shape and serviceable, with the exception of bicycles, which are a draw even if brought in pieces, they said.

After the community mourned the loss of attendant Stanley J. Zurek, Sr., affectionately known by all as "Stosh," a new attendant, Cynthia Richards, has joined staffer Dennis Lane. Richards, who has long advocated for a cover for the facility, has begun to organize the items into sections at the reuse center, Jim Bunchuck, Southold Town solid waste coordinator, said. It's easier for residents to see what's available if all the baskets, for example, are in one spot, he said.

Russell said $65,000 for a previously priced-out canopy still seemed cost prohibitive; Bunchuck said he'd have to tally up the costs of removing rain-soaked goods to the price of a cover. He also added that maybe a partial cover might be a solution.

Dinizio said the town has other priorities he felt might be more important, such as a trailer at the facility.

Russell said the idea can be explored and, while it's not a top priority, it's one that generates a number of phone calls during the summer season.