Hamptons developer angers locals with art

Rechler Equity Partners places 30-foot aluminum statue outside Gabreski Airport

“Walking Figure” by Donald Baechler
“Walking Figure” by Donald Baechler

WEEKENDEDITION Developer Rechler Equity Partners thought it would add a little culture to a roundabout near Westhampton’s Gabreski Airport by adding a 30-foot-tall statue called “Walking Figure.” But locals are outraged by the art.

Rechler Equity Partners said that the aluminum work “lets people know right away that the Hampton Business District is in a class all its own,” according to the New York Post. The piece was commissioned from New York artist Donald Baechler.

But locals aren’t seeing class.

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“Where is the public forum? Ugly and ‘in your face’ every time you drive by,” Cynthia McAvoy Schunk wrote on the Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Rob Swanson Sr. wrote, “I thought that a scrap dealer’s truck threw up!” and added, “I want it removed, and I will donate a crane and a wrecking ball!”

One local told the Post he likes the statue but added that it reminded him of a character from the cartoon “Rugrats.” [NYP] Christopher Cameron