Last Chance for Residents To Sound Off on Canoe Place Inn Project

Thursday marks the last day that residents can file written comments with the Southampton Board over the controversial Canoe Place Inn project in Hampton Bays.

As it stands, the project calls for restoration the historic Canoe Place Inn, in exchange for a zone change to build 40 town homes on the canal property. The developers have also offered to preserve open space in another area of town. 

At a hearing last month, community members debated the merits of preserving Canoe Place Inn in exchange for density. With numerous residents speaking both in support and opposition of the project, the town board voted to close the State Environmental Quality Review portion of the hearing, though they left it open for a 30-day comment period.

The zone change portion of the hearing was left open and will be revisited at a hearing that is set for Jan. 28 meeting at Southampton Town Hall at 6 p.m. 

On its Facebook page, the group, "Save Tide Runners," offered a sample letter to residents to send to the town board, noting that businesses along the waterfront are vital to the Hampton Bays economy.

"Hampton Bays is at a crossroads. We are experiencing the beginnings of a hamlet rejuvenation as evidenced by the success and popularity of local businesses such as Tide Runners (which was forced to close losing over 100 jobs and a Local Icon), 1 North Steak House (which was forced to move to the East Quogue), The Canal Cafe, Rumba, & Cowfish," the letter reads. 

"We have the opportunity to improve an already thriving commercial corridor along the Canal which is clearly proposed and encouraged by all three of the Hampton Bays Corridor strategic plans. However, this cannot be realized through the use of an economically segregated private development," the letter states. "I urge you to say no to rezoning the Shinnecock Canal east for private residential development."

Patch wants to know: How would you like to see the developers amend their plan? Comment below.