Online Petition Aims to Save Tiderunners

An online petition on change.org is calling for Hampton Bays resident to sign their names in an effort to help save a popular waterfront restaurant called Tiderunners.

Overlooking the Shinnecock Canal, Tiderunners, which has been operated by Stephen Ryan and two partners for the past ten years, faces closer if a project to build townhouses on the property is approved.

The project is known as the Canoe Place Inn project and has been in the works for several years with a second public hearing set for 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

The project, proposed by cousins Gregg and Mitchell Rechler, of R Squared LLC, calls for the construction of 40 townhouses, an amenity building, a pool, a private marina and a sewage treatment system on the 7.2-acre canal property.

The Rechlers said that they will also restore the historic Canoe Plan Inn building to its former glory complete with a catering facility, 200-seat restaurant with bar area, and 20 units for overnight accommodations.

The proposal has the community divided — many residents feel the restoration of CPI would be a boon to Hampton Bays while critics have argued that the restoration is just a "bribe" by developers.

Residents nearby to the proposed project site are also arguing that the proposed sewage treatment plant will dump sewage literally into their backyards.

The latest petition, however, simply focuses on saving the popular summer eatery.

The petition, written by a 12-year area resident, who wished not to be named,  states, "I feel it is important to save the east side of the Shinnecock Canal to have restaurants and shops for all locals and visitors to enjoy and preserve the what's left of our waterfront and embrace our Maritime History for everyone. Not for 40 town home owners."

As of Monday afternoon, the petition had garnered 682 petitions with a goal of 1,000 signatures. 

On the online petition, residents wrote the following comments:

— "Hampton Bays is amazing as is, and the last thing this picturesque small town needs is for small businesses to close in favor of condo development. It will ruin the unique charms of Hampton Bays."

—  "Preserve the integrity of the past and current use of the area for the enjoyment and betterment of the community."

— "Townhouses are simply unacceptable. For so many reasons..environmentally etc most importantly I cannot sit by and watch the beauty that is ours to enjoy be robbed from our children."

To access the petition, click here.

Patch wants to know: Will you or have you signed the petition? Comment below.