Visions for Vacancies: Reader Feedback on La Grange

The first installment of West Islip Patch’s on Tuesday asked readers to share their thoughts on what they would like to see fill the current vacancy at La Grange.

Several readers offered feedback in the story’s comment section and on Facebook. One reader suggested a pre-school and another said office space, perhaps even for a Patch office.

One of the more popular ideas was offered by frequent commenter Irene, who suggested selling La Grange to the Culinary Institute of America.

“CIA has all award-winning restaurants, like the CIA in Hyde Park,” Irene wrote. “Under the guidance of their expert chef-instructors and maîtres d’hôtel, students execute the meal and service to the exacting standards set by the CIA. People go there to dine on the delicious cuisine, which students create under the guidance of their chefs. It's terrific and taste delicious!”

Other reader feedback included:

Chris Hillier: “That space would be ideal for a park with basketball courts, swings, and a skate/bike park. We need to get children back outside and away from all those video games and social networks. Lets do this is for all of our children and the many more to come.”

Jason C. Rauch: “A steakhouse like Blackstones would cut it!”

We also received some interesting ideas from readers on our Facebook page.

Angela Sapp: “Trader Joe’s or a Whole Foods” (this suggestion was Liked by seven other readers)

Cherilyn Lowe Richard: “An Uncle Giuseppe’s would be AWESOME!”

Brian Clark: “Turn it into condos. New construction would get taxed at a higher rate.”

Susan Lee: “Leave the building as a landmark and bring back community admiration by renting or selling as a restaurant venue again.”

Share your thoughts on what you would like to see at La Grange in the comments section below.