On the one hand, the community might well be thrilled that a tiny startup beer maker in Springs has reached a point of success at which it can think of expanding. On the other hand, nearby residents could rightly be concerned about the noise a public brewery near the intersection of Springs-Fireplace Road and Fort Pond Boulevard could create.
East Hampton Town officials are reviewing the Springs Brewery’s plan to turn the Hampton Auto Collision Shop into a place where people can gather to enjoy their excellent beer, which would be brewed on site. A Planning Department memo regarding the concept argues that the operators should provide more detail about the retail side and outdoor seating.
Unfortunately, existing town rules about amplified music are almost never enforced, and, while the owners of the Springs Brewery might assure the planning board that the property is kept quiet, a subsequent owner or tenant might not be as respectful. Outdoor music is a big thing here, and the garage is within a guitar riff of nearby houses. The Montauk Brewery in Montauk has shown that it can be a great place for people to gather, without blasting music outside; this should be the example. The planners must find a way to assure neighbors that the music will be kept to a minimum.