Politics & Government

Town Won't Commence Legal Action Against Hidden Cove Motel

Officials say a lawsuit is not prudent at this time.

The Southampton Town Board has decided that they will not take legal action against the , according to Jennifer Garvey, a spokeswoman for the Town of Southampton.

In December, three members of the town board authorized legal action during a special board meeting, however, Garvey said after careful research, it has been decided that legal action would not be prudent at this time.

The town considered the action after residents and civic members became enraged when they learned in November that the Suffolk County Department of Social Services approved a contracts with a Yonkers-based nonprofit called Community Housing Innovations to run the motel as a homeless shelter.

Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For use of the motel, the county pays the motel owner $80 per night per room rented.

One main concern voiced  by residents is that with up to 30 families able to live in the motel, the Hampton Bays School District wouldn't be able to handle the influx of students. Residents say Hampton Bays already has it's fair share of affordable housing.

Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The school district has reported that next year, it already expects an increase of 1.5 to 2 percent.

"We are between a rock and a hard place," said Garvey. "All of this is trumped by state law."

The town, will, however, she said, continue to ensure that the Hidden Cove Motel, as well as other motels and hotels are up to code and the town.

The town is also examining the town's zoning code as it relates to such facilities, she said.

In addition, Garvey said the town is working closely with the new county administration to ensure that when instances like the Hidden Cove Motel come up, town residents and officials are made aware of the situation.

"The town realizes there are unhappy residents in the area. It is unfortunate that there is little we can do at the moment.  The town will still monitor and work with the county," said Garvey.


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