Live Music Lives Again At Surf Lodge in Montauk, With Conditions

MONTAUK, NY - Let the music play at The Surf Lodge in Montauk — but with conditions.

The Town of East Hampton and the owners of The Surf Lodge in Montauk, Montauk Properties, LLC (DE) and JC Hospitality LLC, have reached a settlement resolving a number of site plan and music permit issues, according to a release sent out by the town Thursday.

To answer the question burning in the minds of those who revel in Montauk's live music scene, a modified, conditional music permit will replace the existing music permit for the business.

According to Alex Walter, executive assistant to East Hampton Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell, The Surf Lodge had previously had a three-year permit, with no renewal on that permit.

Now they have been granted a one year, modified permit that states that there can be no outdoor, loud, amplified music after 8 p.m. and such music can only take place for a two-hour period, five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday.

There can also only be live music from May 15 and September 15, the agreement said.

The new agreement, Walter said, offers The Surf Lodge some "relief", with some violations dismissed as a result of the agreement. "There was a little give and take from each side and we think it's a good agreement," he said.

The decision states that within 30 days, The Surf Lodge agrees to file a survey of the property.

Also within 15 days of filing the survey, there will be a site visit of the property by town personnel.

Within 60 days of the site visit, The Surf Lodge has said they will submit an updated site plan application to the planning board for all improvements on the property, and all improvements agreed to are subject to the approval of the planning board, the zoning board of appeals, the architectural review board, and the natural resources department, where applicable.

In addition, the stipulation states that The Surf Lodge agrees to install an updated septic system, an interior fire suppression system in its lobby, dining room, and bar within 100 days of any required permits for such a system, and agrees that if the business does not meet the timelines set forth in the agreement, all commercial activity at the location will be halted until such time as applications are filed and information provided.

The Surf Lodge also agreed, within 30 days of execution of the agreement, to implement all components of the 2010 sound mitigation plan approved by the town at that time.

The East Hampton town board approved the settlement during a special meeting on Tuesday.

A request for comment from The Surf Lodge was not immediately returned.