Questions committee’s focus only on Hispanic business opportunities

To the Editor:

There was a time I enjoyed visiting Ralph’s Ice Cream on Main Street, appreciating their variety of flavors and the welcoming atmosphere. However, I vividly recall the owner expressing frustration when a Hispanic-owned ice cream shop opened across the street. He remarked that the competition would force him to close, and ultimately, it did.

Today, Main Street thrives with Hispanic-owned businesses: barbershops, beauty salons, delis serving hot and cold food, diverse restaurants, a laundromat, and even a shop at Tanger Outlets. This is a testament to the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit within the Hispanic community.

My question to Councilman Kenneth Rothwell is this: How did you determine that the Hispanic community— despite its visible business presence —is lacking in entrepreneurship and economic opportunity to the extent of needing a dedicated Town Hall committee? Where is this kind of committee for everyone else? (See story: Riverhead Town forming committee for outreach to Hispanic community)

Have you conducted a survey to understand which groups in Riverhead truly lack entrepreneurship and economic opportunities? Affordable housing seems to be the more pressing issue, with overcrowded living conditions forcing many Hispanics into unsafe housing. Meanwhile, other ethnic groups are leaving Riverhead altogether because they can no longer afford to live here, let alone establish businesses.

It seems the decision to establish a Hispanic-focused committee is tied to the fact that 78% of students in the Riverhead School District identify as Hispanic. But does this statistic justify excluding others from having a voice at the table? Shouldn’t we be addressing the challenges faced by all underserved groups in a fair and inclusive manner?

I am disappointed by the lack of balance in this approach and urge the Town Board to rethink how it supports all communities striving for economic and entrepreneurial success in Riverhead. And oh, I almost forgot — Ralph’s Ice Cream has now been replaced by yet another Hispanic-owned barbershop!

Sincerely,

Samantha Esposito

Riverhead

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