A legal dispute between the Town of Riverhead and 400 David Court LLC over the use of Enterprise Park at Calverton threatens to disrupt logistics for the upcoming U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. According to court filings in Suffolk County Supreme Court, the town intends to use the site for parking and shuttles, while the property owner claims the easement agreement restricts the land to aviation-related uses.
Why is the land use in dispute?
The conflict centers on a 16-acre easement area that the United States Golf Association (USGA) plans to use for parking approximately 18,900 vehicles and transporting over 43,000 spectators. According to the lawsuit filed by 400 David Court LLC, the decades-old agreement with the Community Development Agency limits the property to use as a taxiway and aircraft parking. The company alleges that current plans for the golf tournament constitute unauthorized use and have resulted in property damage, including spray-painted markers and broken concrete blocks, as noted in police reports filed by the owner.
How does the Town of Riverhead justify the usage?
The Town of Riverhead argues that the easement allows for the accommodation of all persons and vehicles related to the Calverton site, according to town attorney Erik C. Howard. The town maintains that it has previously utilized the area for diverse activities, including 5K runs, drag racing, and general vehicle storage. In court records, the town asserts that preventing use of this area would cause “irreparable harm” by forcing first responders and attendees with disabilities to travel longer distances to reach the tournament grounds.
What are the potential consequences for the U.S. Open?
The litigation highlights the tension between private property rights and the logistical demands of large-scale sporting events. While the USGA oversees the tournament, the town is currently seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent 400 David Court LLC from interfering with the planned parking operations. If the court sides with the property owner, the tournament could face significant bottlenecks in spectator transport and security screening. As of the latest court filings, the USGA has not responded to requests for comment regarding the dispute.
Comparison of Legal Positions
| Party | Primary Argument |
|---|---|
| 400 David Court LLC | Easement is restricted to aviation and taxiway use only. |
| Town of Riverhead | Easement covers all site-related traffic and event logistics. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the town override the property owner’s rights?
The town is seeking judicial intervention to enforce what it describes as its property rights, arguing that previous usage of the land supports their current plan.
What happens if the court grants an injunction?
If the court grants the town’s request, the USGA will be permitted to proceed with parking and shuttle operations as planned. If denied, the town may be forced to find alternative logistics for the 43,470 expected visitors.
Why did the property owner file the lawsuit now?
According to the lawsuit, 400 David Court LLC claims they only received written notice from the town regarding the tournament’s use of the site in late May, despite the USGA deal being signed earlier in the year.
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