The Shinnecock Indian Nation is suing New York Governor Kathy Hochul, state Attorney General Letitia James and the New York transporation commissioner over alleged “continual violations.”
The claims concern Shinnecock sovereignty over an easement for part of Sunrise Highway on tribal land in Hampton Bays. The arrangement goes back to 1959. But the tribe believes it was obtained illegally.
Newsday reports the state of New York and Town of Southampton have separately sued Shinnecock leaders over economic development initiatives. They include digital billboards on the highway — a prime access route to The Hamptons — and a nearby travel plaza and gas station on the Shinnecock’s Westwoods property.
The easement case returns to federal court in Central Islip on Tuesday Dec. 30, Shinnecock Vice Chairman Lance Gumbs told NBC New York…