Bridgehampton residents packed a meeting Monday night to debate the possibility of a day laborer hiring site in Southampton.

Undocumented immigrants currently congregate at a 7-11 on North Sea Road and along County Road 39. The proposed work site would be located at an empty village-owned park nearby. Southampton Village Mayor Mark Epley says he hopes the site will allow residents to conduct their daily activities without "being bombarded by a large group of individuals looking for work." Epley says he would like the site to be run by a church, faith-based group or charity.

Officials say day laborers are crucial to the Hamptons? economy. In addition, they believe the area?s wine industry could not exist without them. Epley says he hopes the site is set up and operational before the summer begins.