Two well-known Springs landmarks — Rita Cantina and the Springs General Store — are set to receive major funding to upgrade their septic systems, part of East Hampton Town’s effort to protect local water quality. The town’s Water Quality Technical Advisory Committee has recommended $70,038 for Rita Cantina and $131,567 for the Springs General Store, both located in environmentally sensitive zones where nitrogen runoff reaches nearby harbors within two years.
The Springs General Store, closed since 2022, is preparing for a full renovation under new ownership. The long-anticipated project includes an indoor seating area, ADA-compliant access, and extensive native landscaping. Once permits are secured, construction is expected to take about a year, with hopes of reopening by spring 2026.
Nearby, Rita Cantina has already installed an upgraded septic system and was approved for partial reimbursement through the grant program. Located near Three Mile Harbor, the system is expected to significantly reduce nitrogen pollution entering local waters.
These grants are part of a larger initiative that includes improvements at Treescape Condominiums, Sag Harbor Village, and Hog Creek, all focused on reducing nitrogen and improving coastal health. For Springs residents, these projects represent an investment in both the community’s historic businesses and the future of its environment.
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