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Now, some local residents and authorities are directing their anger at the owner of Zero Bond, an upscale Manhattan social club, The Wall Street Journal reports. Published Friday at the elite Manhattan club, known for frequenting a variety of celebrities, including Taylor Swift, Elon Musk, and even New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
When Scott Sartiano, 49, tried to move his business into The Hedges Inn, a historic bed and breakfast in East Hampton Village that was founded in 1873, he faced fierce opposition from the town’s neighbors and local officials, The Wall Street Journal reported. His new business was meant to be an extension of Zero Bond, but he faced opposition to turning the location into a late-night venue, so it is now being marketed and operated as a restaurant.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Mayor Sartiano claimed he had a “vendetta” against him, a charge he denied.
Sartiano and the East Hampton mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.
“Nobody has more of an investment in this than me, because I live next door,” Sartiano said, according to the report. “If there’s no added value, I’m the one who’s hurting the most.”
Earlier this year, village officials proposed a new bill that would prohibit “eateries” in the historic village from operating between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. According to According to a report in the local newspaper, the East Hampton Star, Hedges Inn was already required to close at 10 p.m. under a 1981 agreement.
The East Hampton Star reported: said The proposal was well-received, receiving more than 30 letters of support between April and May. Residents expressed concern that nightlife would disrupt a quiet, residential historic district.
According to local news reports, local law was passed by late June banning dining and drinking at “late-night restaurant clubs” in historic districts between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Still, Sartiano didn’t back out of his plans to open the restaurant, and local residents didn’t push back. Before the restaurant opened, the mayor sent a letter with a phone number to call if there was any disturbance at the village’s historic inn, The Wall Street Journal reported. The mayor’s office told The Wall Street Journal that the letter was sent to clarify closing times after there had been confusion.
Since the restaurant opened, it has been the focus of complaints: On one opening night, building inspectors showed up because the $35,000 floral décor posed a fire hazard, the paper reported. Police have also been frequently called to the restaurant during dinner hours due to noise complaints, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Local residents have also taken a positive stance against the business, with bumper stickers for sale reading, “Zero Chance, Neighbors Unite Against Nightclub.”
Despite the tough start, Sartiano’s restaurant, which is open three nights a week, seems to be doing well: After just one month in business, it’s already seen celebrities like Meghan Markle visit.