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East Hampton residents split as planning board hears Springs Brewery proposal
Summary
Neighbors raised groundwater and tidal-flooding concerns while multiple residents urged approval of a small, locally run brewery; the planning board closed the public hearing and directed staff to address written comments prior to a final decision.
The East Hampton Town Planning Board on June 3 heard more than a dozen in-person speakers for and against a site-plan application to convert an existing auto-body building at 847 Springs Fireplace Road into the Springs Brewery, a 2,717-square-foot operation proposing wholesale brewing in the rear and a small retail/tasting area in front.
Lou read the application notice into the record, and Chris of the planning department described proposed façade and interior alterations, a new low-nitrogen wastewater system and a new water service line. Planning staff told the board six written public comments had already been added to the file.
Among in-person speakers, neighbor Shirley Talmage said repeated surface ponding after storms and high tides shows local groundwater conditions could affect the site and questioned whether 1988 NAVD88 elevation data alone are adequate for a tide- and sea-level–sensitive location. “My biggest concern is whether the property is really appropriate for a brewery,” she said, citing documented backups to nearby dry wells during heavy rains.
Multiple residents spoke in favor of the project, saying the proposal represents modest, year-round, locally rooted entrepreneurship that could support nearby farms and cultural institutions. Jess Cross said approving the brewery would “send a clear message that this community supports sustainable local businesses and welcomes the next generation back home to contribute.” Other supporters described the applicants’ longtime engagement at the farmers market and contributions to local nonprofits.
One resident raised traffic and parking concerns at the Fort Pond Boulevard/Springs Fireplace Road intersection, noting the application lists five parking spaces and commenting on sidewalk and sight-line safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The board did not make a decision at the hearing; members closed the public comment period and said planning staff would address all written and oral remarks on the record before the board issues a final determination.
The public hearing was closed after the in-room comment period; there were no callers on the phone. The board took the hearing record and deferred a final resolution to a later meeting after staff responses and any required technical clarifications.
What’s next: Planning staff will incorporate written comments into the record and respond to environmental and parking questions before the board votes on the site plan at a future meeting.
