Hampton Bays Civic Members on CPI: We Want Waterfront Access

One thing was clear after over 120 Hampton Bays Civic members took a poll on Monday night on what should happen with the western and eastern canal properties surrounding Canoe Place Inn: Civic members want waterfront access.

Monday's meeting was held in an effort to gauge the community's thinking on the controversial project, proposed by cousins Gregg and Mitchell Rechler that calls for the development of 40 townhouses and amenities on the eastern portion of the property and the restoration of the historic Canoe Place Inn, which sits on the western portion of the Rechler's land.

During the meeting, civic members broke off into brainstorming groups after hearing from Kevin McAllister, the Peconic Bay Keeper; Fran Oldeack, vice president of the  Historical Society; and Carolyn Zenk, Esq., land use attorney.  

The groups then came together and presented several plans which were then voted on by fellow members. 

What became apparent quickly is that members would like to see the project include waterfront access, possibly through the creation of a boardwalk with shops, motel and other recreational amenities. 

The civic members also overwhelmingly agreed that they want to see a Nitrex septic system built not only on the eastern side of the property as proposed by the developers, but also on the western portion of the property where CPI sits. 

And that's not all, some civic members want to see only the western portion of the property built out, while others want to see the town purchase the entire property using Community Preservation funds.  

Other ideas included, full waterfront access, minimize the number of townhouses proposed, an enact a historic ordinance which would prevent Canoe Place Inn from ever being demolished. 

The civic said it will present the views of its members on Dec. 10 when a public hearing is scheduled on the project at town hall at 6 p.m.

The date was selected after the developers requested an adjournment to take time to 'process' input from the community on their project.

It is unclear if the developers have plans to tweak or change their original proposal. 

Patch wants to know: What do you think of the civic members ideas? Comment below.