The Huntting Inn, originally built in 1699 but purchased in 2020 by Landry’s of Houston, owner of the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, is once again before the East Hampton Village Zoning Board of Appeals and Design Review Board, asking for approval of a pool and hot tub behind the inn. Their original application was withdrawn in June 2021, after strong neighborhood opposition.
Landry’s would also like to build a three-story addition for an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant elevator shaft, two patios (one adjacent to the pool and one covered patio next to the restaurant), three pool cabanas, and A.D.A.-compliant walkways and ramps.
The Huntting Inn is a contributing property in the Main Street Historic District and is adjacent to the Huntting Lane Historic District. Importantly, a commercial structure could not be built in that location today. It is only allowed because its construction pre-dated zoning laws. It is, in zoningese, a pre-existing nonconforming commercial use in a residential district. Any time such a use is expanded, it raises hackles with zoning and planning boards.
Martha Reichert, a land use lawyer representing Landry’s, attempted to frame the A.D.A. improvements as a gift of sorts to the village. Vincent Messina, the village attorney, wasn’t buying it. “It’s not totally gratuitous; it’s required by law,” he said.
“It’s not gratuitous, but I think it’s relevant to say that’s one of the reasons why we’re here,” said Ms. Reichert.
“You’re improving the ramp, but you’re not making the bathrooms A.D.A. compliant?” asked Phillip O’Connell, a board member. Later, reading from a prepared memo on the project, Billy Hajek, the village planner, also noted the lack of interior compliance with A.D.A. standards. “This might be a matter of convenience, versus providing true A.D.A. accessibility,” he said.
It was the pool and hot tub, however, that concerned the numerous neighbors who wrote letters to the board in opposition, despite the redesign of the original application.
Ms. Reichert argued that adding a pool and patio would not lead to an “intensification” of either of the site’s nonconforming uses, either the restaurant or the inn. “We’re in the hospitality business,” she told the board. “If it bothers neighbors, it bothers our guests.”
If the Huntting Inn were a residence rather than a commercial building, it wouldn’t need variances for the pool. She allowed that the inn is technically a commercial use, it’s one of a temporary residential nature.
“If you look at the character of the community, especially on Huntting Lane, [almost] all of the homes have swimming pools,” she said, adding that the D.R.B. had approved pools for nine other properties in the historic district.
“On commercial properties?” asked Mr. O’Connell.
Ms. Reichert conceded that eight of the pools had been granted for residential properties. The Baker House, at 181 Main Street, was the only commercial site that gained approval for a pool, in 2005, and it did not need a variance.
Mr. Messina pointed out that a pool at a single-family residence does not serve 19 guest rooms. “Thirty-eight people could potentially be in the pool,” he said.
“A swimming pool is a customary accessory use,” Ms. Reichert responded. “We have a robust planting plan, and we hope that is enough to mitigate the neighbors’ concerns.” The closest principal residence is 163 feet from the proposed pool.
The changes to the application weren’t enough for Lisa Pugliese-Dortch, who lives nearby on Davids Lane. She spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, along with other neighbors. She said she had visited Landry’s website to learn more about the company. “I saw all their hotels, restaurants, and casinos. There were lots of bells and whistles, many pools, and cabanas — even a shark tank. As I continued to scroll, I found the Huntting Inn, nestled incongruously among their downtown Houston Westin and the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City.”
According to Landry’s website, “The Huntting Inn is one of the most beautiful and historic landmarks in the oceanfront [V]illage of East Hampton, New York. The Inn is nestled in the heart of East Hampton’s Main Street, which, according to National Geographic, is one of the most beautiful Main Streets in America.”
“They knew exactly what they were purchasing, and they pitch it as such on their website,” said Ms. Pugliese-Dortch. “I don’t believe the village should allow changes to one of our most historic sites so we can fit into their portfolio.”
In an email to The Star, Ms. Reichert said that Landry’s would, as the board requested, submit an environmental assessment form, per state law, and would consider alternative designs for the proposed pool and cabanas, possibly putting them somewhere that would not require variances.
The meeting was adjourned until Dec. 9. The public can continue to submit written comments until the board votes to close the public hearing.
