Letters

I’m writing to express my concern regarding the Town of Southampton’s current beach parking permit pricing structure, particularly its impact on senior residents and year-round residents.

Compared to neighboring towns, Southampton’s rates are significantly higher. While Southampton Town charges residents $50 per vehicle and $40 for seniors — per vehicle — other municipalities have adopted far more accessible approaches:

• East Hampton Town offers free beach passes to all residents.

• Southampton Village provides three free passes per residential address.

• Riverhead charges $25 per pass, with seniors paying just $10.

• Suffolk County gives seniors half-price passes and free weekday access.

These policies reflect a commitment to affordability and public access — principles that Southampton Town appears to be drifting away from.

Adding to the concern, Southampton Town has already relinquished control of several beaches over the years — and, most recently, it is expected that Sagg Main Beach in Sagaponack will be given up as well. This continues a troubling trend of reduced public beach access. For many of us, reaching an ocean beach, as well as other town beaches, is already a challenge.

On top of that, the cost of passes is compounded for households with more than one vehicle. Many families and senior couples have more than one car and are required to pay multiple fees just to access the same public beaches, which seems both unfair and excessive.

Furthermore, I’d like to raise an issue with the recent change in the beach pass season. In 2025, the season began May 15 instead of June 30, as in previous years. As a senior, I’ve often relied on visiting Flying Point Cut Beach before June 30 to avoid the heavy summer crowds. With this expanded timeline, access during these previously quieter months is now restricted, unless a pass is purchased, effectively removing one of the few peaceful and affordable options available to seniors and year-round residents for all town beaches.

Dee Sadowski

Tuckahoe/Shinnecock Hills