Dan's Papers - May 15, 2009 - Givin' You The Business

Bridgehampton has many charms. The small town that was named by Indians and original settlers because of a narrow natural bridge across the many ponds separating the settlements of East Hampton and Southampton has a beauty and signature all its own. As you pass through it on Route 27, its lovely attributes get your attention.

Oddly, not so long ago, Bridgehampton was home to seven gas stations within an eighth of a mile of each other, all on Route 27. In more recent year, during the summer, tourists and residents walk the charming Main Street to shop, exercise or just people watch.

There are changes to the town this season. Some old favorites are gone, some new local favorites are opening up, and some new construction is going on. Since Bridgehampton does n't have its own Chamber of Commerce, some behind the scenes info about the developments in town came from two knowledgeable real estate agents. Holly Hodder, a friendly gal with a charming wit, said the construction on the south side of Main Street, between the Corcoran Real Estate office and the Presbyterian Church, is by Konner Development. "It is commercial space," she said, but couldn't confirm if they had "any early-adopting tenants yet."

Carol Konner is the force behind Konner Development, which has numerous prestigious holding throughout the area including the pasture at Mecox - about 15 homes in the $2 million range on 28 acres. With work going full tilt on the Konner commercial site and the expansion of the Bridgehampton Library on the north side, the town has a bit more of an "under construction" look than in years past.

Hodder mentioned that once again Main Street Bridgehampton had escaped the invasion of the national chains such as J Crew, Coach, Gucci and Tommy Hilfiger that seem to be entrenched in both East Hampton and Southampton, but still noticeably absent from both Bridgehampton and Sag Harbor.

Sacre bleu! Blue Province is gone, but a bit farther east is the Black Cat Books, relocated from Sah Harbor, in a spiffy new, open space.

Another change is the soon-to-be-opened Copas Wine Bar in what used to be Alison's, tucked just behind the Candy Kitchen and across from Community Center on School Street. The new owners are Cosmos Venneri and Chris Boudouris. According to their pal Jeanine Edington, "The boys want to provide a different type of choice to World Pie and Bobby Van's." Some believe that a new perspective on dinning will be refreshing, but Alison's regulars like Jon Bon Jovi will no doubt be sad that the venerable dining institution is gone in Bridgehampton. Edington predicts that the new establishment will be a winner because of the attention to detail and the enthusiasm the new owners are bringing to the community. In a tough restaurant market, these brave men are taking a chance providing Bridgehampton with a new fine choice.

With a lot of public fanfare it was announced that what once was the Little Red Barn (aka, Bob's Village Market; the IGA) will become a new Citarella's. Described by some as "ritzy," Citarella will bring Bridgehampton locals and visitors abundant (some say pricier) choices.

One thing is for sure is that the new businesses are being aggressive during a time when the business cycle is not exactly prime for new comers. But these entrepreneurs are determined to make the local economic turn around happen on their watch. It's that spirit and effort of those who jump in where angels fear to tread that usually succeed in the long.