Hamptonites Roiled Over NYC Nightclub Opening New Venue at Historic Hedges Inn

Hamptonites Roiled Over NYC Nightclub Opening New Venue at Historic Hedges Inn

Edited by: TJVNews.com

The usually tranquil Hamptons, a coveted seaside escape known for its quiet charm, is currently at the center of a contentious debate involving residents and a proposed expansion by Zero Bond, a prestigious, members-only club from Manhattan, as was reported on Friday in The New York Post. The club, frequented by notable celebrities and figures including Mayor Eric Adams, is exploring the possibility of opening a new venue at the historic Hedges Inn in East Hampton, sparking concerns among local residents about the potential disruption to their peaceful community.

Zero Bond, a well-known hotspot in Manhattan’s Noho neighborhood, has garnered attention for its celebrity patrons such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian, Elon Musk, Tom Brady, and Taylor Swift, according to the information provided in the Post report. The club’s management is in discussions with the owner of the Hedges Inn—a quaint and centuries-old bed and breakfast located by a picturesque pond—to lease the property. Although no formal agreement has been finalized, the talks alone have been enough to alarm residents about the future of their neighborhood.

The primary concerns expressed by the residents center around the potential for increased noise, traffic, and general disruption that a nightlife-oriented venue like Zero Bond could bring to their quiet community. As per the Post report, residents fear that the establishment of such a club could lead to a constant flow of idling vehicles, including Ubers and other ride-sharing services, along with the associated noise from car doors and diners. Furthermore, the presence of paparazzi trying to catch a glimpse of celebrity guests could significantly alter the character of the area.

East Hampton Mayor Jerry Larsen has vocally criticized the proposed plan, labeling it as a move driven by greed and suggesting that the owner of the Hedges Inn should reconsider the impact on the community, the Post report noted. His sentiments are echoed by many in East Hampton, who feel that such a development would be out of step with the village’s historical and cultural ethos.

In response to these concerns, the village is considering legislation that would prevent the operation of a social club serving food and drinks within the historic zone from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m, as was pointed out in the Post report. This legislative effort is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the nighttime tranquility and heritage of the area.

However, this has sparked a legal debate about the extent of municipal powers over businesses that sell alcohol. The Post report said that a representative for Zero Bond argued that the proposed restrictions might be overly broad and unconstitutional, suggesting that the town might not have the authority to enforce early closing times on establishments like bars and restaurants.

The East Hampton Village Civic Coalition has been particularly active in rallying the community to oppose the club’s opening. They have utilized social media platforms, such as Facebook, to organize and inform residents. Indicated in the Post report was that the group has emphasized the importance of community engagement, urging residents to attend a hearing about the proposed legislation, calling attention to the hearing as a critical opportunity to influence the decision and preserve the integrity of the village.

The opposition from local residents is multifaceted, touching on issues of exclusivity, accessibility, and the preservation of the community’s character. The report in the Post said that Greg Miller, a local resident, voiced his frustration on the East Hampton Mouthpiece Facebook group, drawing parallels between the proposed club and other elite establishments that are out of reach for ordinary working people.

Moreover, the prospect of increased traffic and noise is a significant concern. The Post report described residents who have expressed worry about the impact on East Hampton’s town pond area, a beloved and serene spot that could see increased car and foot traffic, potentially disrupting the peace. These environmental and social impacts are at the heart of the community’s resistance.

Amidst this controversy, Zero Bond’s founder, Scott Sartiano, is also looking to purchase the house next door to the Hedges Inn, signaling a commitment to becoming a part of the community. This move is described as a “transparent and good faith effort” to integrate responsibly into the town’s fabric. However, the report in the Post said that Mayor Larsen has expressed readiness for a battle, particularly against the late-night aspects of the club’s operations, citing concerns about the historical buildings and their location in residential areas.

Zero Bond’s proposal puts East Hampton at a crossroads between modern development and historical preservation. The buildings in question date back to the 1600s and 1700s and are situated in areas that residents feel should be protected from the encroachment of contemporary nightlife culture, according to the information in the Post report.

The nearest neighbor to the Hedges Inn is approximately 200 feet away, a proximity that contributes significantly to the local apprehension about the potential noise and disruption. As per the Post report, Mayor Larsen expressed frustration over the proposed change, particularly pointing out the irony of the inn’s owner who initially bought the property to avoid noise but is now considering a partnership that could significantly increase it.

Mayor Larsen and other locals believe that historical sites such as the Hedges Inn should remain accessible to the public, allowing people to appreciate and learn about the region’s rich history. The prospect of the inn turning into a private club is seen as a loss to the community’s cultural heritage and accessibility.

Zach Erdem, a local restaurateur and reality TV star, expressed skepticism about the viability of Zero Bond’s business model in East Hampton. Drawing a cultural comparison, he suggested that just as certain businesses are not suitable for specific regions due to cultural preferences, a private club such as Zero Bond might not align with the community ethos of the Hamptons, which differs significantly from that of New York City, as was explained in the Post report.

From a business standpoint, the sustainability of a high-profile, exclusive club in the traditionally low-key and historic setting of East Hampton is questionable. Speaking to the Post was Michael Capuano, who has decades of experience in the hospitality industry both in New York City and the Hamptons. He pointed out the lack of longevity and profitability in such ventures within the area. His observations about the transient nature of the bar and club business in such a community further illustrate the potential misalignment between Zero Bond’s concept and the local market dynamics.

The concept of a members-only club like Zero Bond, which charges significant annual fees and fosters an exclusive ambiance, poses unique challenges in East Hampton, a town with a seasonal population surge. The transient nature of the Hamptons, with its peak during the summer months, raises questions about the viability of such a business model. Critics, including local business owners familiar with the seasonal dynamics, argue that by the time the club recruits members and becomes operational, the summer could already be drawing to a close. This could significantly impact the profitability and sustainability of the venture.

Sartiano seems undeterred by these challenges, indicating a willingness to invest in this venture despite potential financial risks. The Post reported that in 2021 membership fees for individuals over 45 exceeded $4,000 annually. However, Sartiano emphasized that the club’s exclusivity isn’t just about financial capability but also about an intangible quality, noting, “You can’t buy your way in. You can’t buy cool.”