Civic to Debate Canoe Place Inn Project

The Hampton Bays Civic Association is poised to discuss Gregg and Mitchell Rechler's controversial Canoe Place Inn Project, which aims to restore the historic Canoe Place Inn in exchange for permits to build 40 town homes on the canal property in Hampton Bays.

The project is currently on hold as the developers requested an adjournment on a scheduled October public hearing until Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. — the same time and date as a hearing on the possible purchase by the town of the Neptune's Night Club.

The civic meeting is slated for Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hampton Bays Middle School cafeteria and will feature a panel of speakers.

"This community forum is the only moment between now and the town council hearing where our neighbors still may express their opinions on the Canoe Place Inn proposal," said the civic.

The civic also said that it hopes that during the meeting, rumor and hearsay surrounding the proposed development can be dispelled and a brainstorming session can take place.

The civic said its goal is to great a comprehensive presentation of community views to the town board on Dec. 10.

As of Oct. 21 it was unclear if the developers had any intention of changing or tweaking their proposal, stating that they are evaluating the community's input so far.

During the past two public hearings on the proposal, community members have been spit on the project, some saying it will be a boon to the Hampton Bays economy; others arguing that the septic system's placement needs to be changed and that the project needs to include public access to the canal. 

Patch wants to know: What should be the Hampton Bays Civic Association's stance on the Canoe Place Inn project. Comment below.