Southampton Village reverses year-round beach parking permit proposal
Mayor William Manger Jr. announced the change Thursday night during a public hearing, saying the village will return to its seasonal parking permit system, in effect from May 15 through Sept. 15.
Southampton Village is reversing course on a proposal that would have required year-round parking permits at some village beaches.
Mayor William Manger Jr. announced the change Thursday night during a public hearing, saying the village will return to its seasonal parking permit system, in effect from May 15 through Sept. 15. Outside that period, anyone will be allowed to park at village beaches.
Manger said the year-round permit proposal was not the right solution to concerns about contractors taking up beach parking spaces or parking illegally.
The original proposal would have required permits at beaches including Road D, with non-village residents paying $300 and summer visitors paying up to $600. Violators could face a $250 fine.
During the hearing, contractors and residents suggested alternatives, including creating a permit system for contractors or allowing homeowners to obtain permits for contractors working at their properties.
“They can park on the north side of the parking lot to allow the locals that want to enjoy the beachfront in the winter and watch a storm come by,” said Stanton Ambrose, of Diversified Services of Watermill.
Others said the proposal raised broader concerns about access to Road D, one of the few village beaches without parking restrictions.
“We really ask that you consider Road D in any future parking regulations,” said Brody Eggert, chair, of Surfrider East End. “We would be happy to work with you on a future policy because this one is a complete failure.”
The village says it will work on a new plan aimed at addressing contractor parking while preserving beach access.
