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Robert Kraft tries to rise above Southampton officials

New England Patriots owner in dispute over elevator

A photo illustration of Robert Kraft and 40 Meadow Lane in Southampton, Long Island (Getty)
A photo illustration of Robert Kraft and 40 Meadow Lane in Southampton, Long Island (Getty)

Robert Kraft’s Bridgehampton home is once again the site of a dispute, this time regarding the addition of an elevator for the New England Patriots owner.

The 81-year-old billionaire wants to add an elevator to his home at 40 Meadow Lane in Southampton, citing mobility issues, the New York Post reported. Some are resistant to allowing the elevator, however, and have called attention to pictures of Kraft golfing or playing tennis to critique his alleged need.

The fight started in November 2021, shortly after Kraft purchased the home from former HFZ Capital executive Nir Meir for $43 million in an off-market deal.

The Architectural Review Board gave Kraft the go-ahead in March 2022 in a tight vote, but the zoning board is now getting its say in the issue. The zoning board wants any elevator hidden within the interior of the property, while Kraft’s plans feature the lift on the exterior of the home.

The differences aren’t only aesthetic — they vary financially as well, according to Kraft’s team. It would take almost $2.5 million to add an elevator inside, but only $1.2 million externally.

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A hearing with the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals in January featured Kraft’s attorney arguing in favor of the elevator for medical reasons, saying doctors “advised him to limit his traversing stairs as much as possible.” An affidavit from the Patriots’ team physician made a similar claim and said the elevator was needed under the Americans with Disability Act.

Kraft is considering suing the village on ADA grounds should he not get his elevator.

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The Meadow Lane property was once at the center of litigation between Meir and HFZ’s founder, Ziel Feldman, along with the development firm’s creditors. An entity tied to a lender filed a lawsuit to have Meir ejected from the home, only for Meir to file a countersuit; both complaints were discontinued.

Another lawsuit from one of HFZ’s lenders attempted to stop the sale of the home so the creditor could collect on proceeds to satisfy a debt.

— Holden Walter-Warner

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BridgehamptonLuxury Real EstateSouthamptonThe Hamptons