SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — The dawn of a new economic day could be coming soon for the Shinnecock Nation — with the hotel and convention center vision set on tribal lands.
On Saturday, tribal members voted to lease land from the Shinnecock Nation on the Westwoods' property in Hampton Bays to Shinnecock Sovereign Holdings, which is focused on the tribe's economic advancement, former Shinnecock Nation Vice President Lance Gumbs said.
Discussions about the hotel and resort project have just begun, said Gumbs, the project leader.
“We still have a long way to go. The size, scope and details need to be worked out. There's no contract right now. It's a vision that, so far, people have supported us — but the contract negotiations have to happen.” , he said.
The Nation's vision, Gumps said, is a non-casino, year-round gaming project. “This will serve to uplift our people through income for social service programs, additional jobs and a real presence in the East End,” said Gabs. “We found the perfect mix for our area, so we'll see what they have to say about it now – since it's not a casino.”
The facility's focus, Gumbs said, is on health and wellness, with a spa and innovative technology incubator, all “overlooking beautiful Peconic Bay,” Gumbs said
Only 20 acres of the Nation's 102 acres will be used for the project, he said.
On Saturday, it also voted to green light land use for a gas station to be placed near two large electronic signs on Montauk Highway on Shinnecock land, which are also a symbol of the tribe's quest for economic progress, Gumbs said.
The signs caused some public outcry when they were put up. Upon completion of the first point, the State of New York sought a temporary restraining order against the Shinnecock Nation. The state sought a preliminary injunction to remove the sign. a Supreme Court judge rejected the request in 2020.
In February, the Shinnecock Nation unveiled plans for a casino that promised economic opportunities for tribal members, but also raised some concerns among residents.
The project, called Shinnecock Casino Hamptons, has been a longtime dream, tribal members said.
“We've been at this for 20 years,” Shinnecock Tribal Chairman Bryan Polite said.
Construction is slated to begin this year, Polite said at the time. The casino will bring 300 to 400 jobs to the area, Polite said. This week, a source who asked to remain anonymous said the Class II gaming facility is still moving on a multi-financial trajectory. However, the resort proposal and casino plans are not related.
