East Hampton Town Board Approves Residents-Only Restriction For Ditch Plains Parking Lot

Residents of Montauk on Monday said they were pleased with new legislation approved by the East Hampton Town Board last week, that restricts parking in the westernmost parking lot for Ditch Plains Beach to locals only.

The proposal, initially drafted by the Montauk Citizens Advisory Committee, was brought to the Town Board in the early months of the calendar year. It was approved Thursday, June 21, by a vote of 4-0; Councilwoman Kathee Burke-Gonzalez was not present at the time of the vote.

“As a local, I’m psyched about it,” said Brynn Maguire, a Montauk native, at the beach on Monday.

“Obviously, as a resident, I’m not opposed to what the board decided,” said Austin King of East Hampton.

The parking restrictions will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and all year long. A kiosk has already been installed at the entrance to the parking lot and will be staffed by a beach attendant on weekends and holidays.

Beach-goers who do not live in East Hampton Town, but who have purchased non-resident parking stickers still will be able to park in the other two lots, the Otis Road lot and what is commonly referred to as “the dirt lot.” The westernmost lot recently received an upgraded comfort station and is considered the beach’s main parking lot.

One local was almost defiant in expressing approval on Monday. “If [the regulation] creates stigma, get used to it,” said Jack Luber, owner of Shell and Core, a design and building firm. “Get in line, buy a permit, rent a house, or don’t park here.”

“It’s probably great for residents,” said Cathy Bilello, a new visitor to the beach. “It’s my first time here, and I was lucky enough to find a spot.”

Lilliana Fasanella, the owner and operator of the La Sirena food truck at the western lot, did express some concern about the new legislation. “I’m still wondering if [the regulation] is going to affect business,” she said. Her truck has been serving colorful empanadas to surfers and sun revelers alike for two years.

The main goal of the new legislation, said Town Councilman David Lys on Monday, is to “prioritize the residents of Montauk” while also including greater safety measures at one point of public beach access. In recent years, the lot has become overcrowded in the summer months, presenting possible dangers to pedestrians.

“People were really jamming up the lot,” said Ms. Fasanella.

Ever since similar regulations went into effect at Indian Wells Beach in Amagansett, overcrowding has not been an issue, said Mr. Luber.

Mr. Lys said he has not personally heard any push-back, though he noted that some residents were concerned about the town’s former plan to pave the dirt lot. While paving would have provided more space for parking, residents were happy with the lot’s survival.

“I’m glad they didn’t pave the dirt lot,” said Ms. Maguire.