A Hospitality Renaissance

It’s not the first time the Rechlers have engineered a pivot when it comes to the “Hampton Boathouses,” a 37-unit development on the east side of the Shinnecock Canal in Hampton Bays.

The concept behind the units has changed a couple of times. At first, when Southampton Town created special zoning for both the restoration of the Canoe Place Inn on the west side of the canal and the boathouses on the east, the boathouses were proposed to be owner-occupied condominiums.

In October 2020, cousins Mitchell and Gregg Rechler of Rechler Equity Partners in Plainview, the developers of the project, citing changing market trends during COVID, said they would rent the condos instead of selling them, noting that the rental market had exploded during the pandemic as people fled New York City and other urban centers. They were listed with monthly rents ranging from $8,000 to $10,675 for a three-bedroom unit. But, apparently, like the idea of selling the condos, that plan didn’t work out either.

Now, the developers say the units will instead be used as an extension of the restored inn on the other side of the canal, which, in addition to a catering hall, will offer 20 rooms in the inn and eight cottages. The boathouse units now will become part of an overall “hospitality community” and will be offered as part of the hotel’s accommodations.

The request required an amendment to the original zoning law, which the Town Board granted earlier this month. In exchange, the Rechlers agreed to a check every year equal to the amount of taxes that would have been paid if the condos were sold to private owners.

The Rechlers’ pivot seems harmless enough, as long as they make good on their promise to cover the difference in property taxes — although one must wonder why the first two plans did not work out, and whether the fickle developers will seek another change in plans in the future.

By all accounts, the restoration of the “historic” inn is going well, and it will be a source of pride for the community, a destination of sorts for weddings and other large events, perhaps prompting a renaissance of sorts in the hospitality industry west of the canal. One can imagine grand balls and wedding receptions on the property, with families and guests staying both at the inn and the boathouses, creating memories for generations to come — and spending money at nearby businesses while they’re here.

While there was significant controversy a decade ago about the legislation approving the CPI restoration, the Rechlers appear to be turning out to be good neighbors who had a vision and are making it a reality to both preserve the iconic inn and build a quality resort destination. The facility will bring jobs and dollars to Hampton Bays and western Southampton Town.

Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, after a recent tour of the facility, noted that “the community is in for a treat.” The community should remain optimistic that he’s correct — as long as the Rechlers keep their promises and make Hampton Bays and its residents their priority.