Southampton mulls proposal to close scenic roadway

Southampton Town is considering a proposal to close a scenic roadway that runs through Shinnecock Hills Golf Course. The golf course, which will be the site of the 2018 US Open, wants to purchase and

News 12 Staff

Sep 23, 2016, 2:00 AM

Updated 2,932 days ago

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Southampton Town is considering a proposal to close a scenic roadway that runs through Shinnecock Hills Golf Course.
The golf course, which will be the site of the 2018 US Open, wants to purchase and reroute Tuckahoe Road, a town-owned roadway.
The proposal to close a quarter-mile section of Tuckahoe Road was met by vocal opposition from residents.
In a presentation to the Town Board, the golf club's president said the closure plan was for safety concerns, saying golfers need to cross the road at least six times during one round of play.
Opponents of the plan say the closure would restrict views, increase traffic on other roads and disrupt wildlife in the area.
Southampton Highway Superintendent Alex Gregor says the golf course's plan to close the roadway is an effort to privatize the club.
In exchange for closing Tuckahoe Road to the public, Shinnecock Hills is proposing to pay $2 million in community grants and $5 million to build a road bypassing the golf course connecting St. Andrews Road and County Road 39.
Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman says he was approached with the proposal, but no decision has been made.
"Nothing will happen here unless it's better for the community than it is for the golf course," Schneiderman told News 12.
Shinnecock Hills did not return a call to comment on this story.