Hamptonites Roiled Over NYC Nightclub Opening New Venue at 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.