Hampton Bays' Future: Upscale Tourist Designation or Party Town?

Hampton Bays is looking to transform itself, two civic groups have been working together to clean up the area and at the same time formulate a vision for the hamlet — define it in some way. 

Most Hampton Bays residents believe that the hamlet needs more tourist- attracting businesses to bring in the crowds, but the question becomes what kind of crowd does Hampton Bays want? 

Recently, Montauk residents voiced concerns about the crowds that are now being drawn to the area, saying the traffic horrific and the parties wilder. 

One Montauk resident noted, "There is a Boardy Barn mentality that's literally spilling into the main streets of Montauk."

But, some Hampton Bays community members argue that Montauk residents should stop complaining. 

Hampton Bays resident Donna Thiele wrote on Patch recently, "I wish someone with a large amount of money would come into this town and re-vitalize it. People just pass through Hampton Bays to get to another place in the Hamptons. Everyone in Montauk should stop complaining. " We all live in the Hamptons....we have to deal with the good and the bad. But, I would rather the economy in Hampton Bays be better."

Patch watch to know: Would you like to see Hampton Bays reborn as a more upscale tourist destination, with less of a rowdy beach bar crowd? Or do you think the summer fun in the sun image is one Hampton Bays should nurture?  Please post your thoughts in the comment section below.