After nearly five years of ownership that have seen competing visions from civic groups, community leaders, and private developers, Southampton Town officials announced today the commencement of demolition of the former Bel-Aire Motel in Hampton Bays.
Located at 20 Shinnecock Road, the 1.3-acre waterfront parcel had been a popular lodging spot for tourists and other seasonal visitors from the 1950s through the 1990s. Later the motel morphed into an unofficial apartment building and was the source of frequent complaints from tenants and neighbors alike. Town code enforcement officers would issue Notices of Violation for overcrowding, missing or non-functioning smoke detectors, an overflowing septic system, infestation, electrical safety problems, unregistered vehicles, property maintenance, and other issues.
Town Supervisor Maria Moore stated, “We are very pleased to move forward with the removal of the visual blight that was the Bel-Aire Cove Motel. The demolition of the structure has begun and will proceed expeditiously. Ultimately, it was the overwhelming support of the community that allowed this to happen.”
The Town purchased the property in December 2019 for just over one million dollars. With a goal of renewing tourism in Southampton’s largest hamlet, it was meant to begin the implementation of the Hampton Bays Revitalization Plan adopted by the Town Board in April of that year.
“Tearing down this building is an important first step towards removing a long standing blight from the Hampton Bays community,” said Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara.
Proposals for the Bel-Aire had originally ranged from a boutique hotel to condominiums for senior citizens. After soliciting substantial public input, the Town now intends to use the site as a public park, and to install a kayak launch with direct access to Penny Pond. The Southampton Town Trustees own an adjoining lot directly to the east, which also borders the pond.
“We promised we were going to do it and we did it in eight months,” said Councilman Bill Pell of executing the demolition plans. From set-up to clean-up, the process is expected to be concluded by mid to late September.
“The demolition of the Bel-Aire Cove Motel is finally underway thanks to the work of this Town Board,” said Councilman Michael Iasilli. “This means so much more than just a blighted structure coming down. Today marks a turning of the page; it demonstrates to the people of Hampton Bays that your government is listening.”
