Bowled Over: EH Lanes Owner Besieged with Offers

By T.J. Clemente

Every few months there are rumors surrounding East Hampton Bowl in Wainscott. Most recently, it was reported that Equinox Fitness Clubs proposed a 16,000 square foot facility on the property, and in fact, the company did submit an application to the East Hampton Village Design Review Board. However, the cart is a bit before the horse since a deal has not been finalized with the bowling alley's owner, Craig Patterson.

Last week, Patterson said in very distinct language that, while he gave approval for Equinox to submit an application, he had not listed the bowling alley for sale. But like most Hamptons' landowners, he said that if he got the right offer anything was possible.

There was also a rumor that East Hampton Town, through the CPF, was looking to 'preserve' the bowling alley. And in fact, Patterson admitted he talked to the town when they came to him with proposal - which he did not initiate. In fact, Patterson said none of the reports of pending deals have been based on facts since financial information regarding proposed buyers has been unavailable.

While the bowling alley isn't on the market, Patterson did say he's hoping to find someone to rent or buy the building. He admitted he's not "married to his present location," but he is committed to operating a bowling facility well into the future in this area. His hope is to create a new "green equipment" facility that would enable him to reduce energy costs by 50%. If that were the case, he'd rebuild the bowling alley in full scope and configurations, but with building methods that make sense in this present energy environment. (The current facility was built in the 1950s with 1950s technology.) Patterson recently updated the air conditioning unit and roof, but said it's tougher to run a family priced bowling business in the antiquated facility.

Patterson said the goal is to keep the bowlers bowling, somewhere in East Hampton. The community supports his business which is healthy and is not pursuing a fire sale. "I love this community, this is my town, what's good for the community is good for me," he said. "There are a lot of smart people out there, anything might happen."

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