After some time in the rough, Discovery Land Company put an approach shot on the fairway this week in its effort to build a golf resort in East Quogue.
A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the Scottsdale-based company’s approval to build a golf community in the Southampton hamlet, Newsday reported. The suit was brought by local residents and environmentalists challenging the proposed 130-unit, 18-hole course.
The petitioners filed the Article 78 litigation last month, claiming the development’s approval came despite zoning restrictions preventing a resort at the site, which is on Lewis Road. In 2019, the same environmental groups filed a different suit, which they also lost.
The judge in this case said the arguments were the same as last time and therefore, could not be relitigated. That means Discovery Land Company should be able to move forward, although the plaintiffs expect to appeal the ruling and seek an injunction to prevent work from starting.
While building the hundreds of housing units and golf course, the developer does plan to preserve 436 acres of open space. Other recreational facilities planned for the grounds include a fitness center, community pool and clubhouse, all reserved for residents.
27East previously reported the housing component features eight clubhouse units, 15 village cottages, 53 village lots, 16 village estates, 26 woodland estates and 12 workforce housing units.
The project, formerly known as “The Hills,” has faced several legal challenges over the years. The attorney for the petitioners told Newsday that a 2018 lawsuit is still pending against the Southampton Zoning Board of Appeals, which ruled the golf course was an accessory use to a residential subdivision.
— Holden Walter-Warner
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