Southampton Town Trustees Eyes Flying Point Beach As Drive-On Possibility

The Southampton Town Trustees have their eyes on a new strip of beach where four-wheel-drive vehicles might be allowed, and this time it is east of the Shinnecock Inlet.

Trustee President Ed Warner Jr. said recently that he has spoken with Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman about designating a drive-on stretch at Flying Point Beach in Water Mill.

The proposal would be to allow people to drive onto the beach at the southwest corner of the Flying Point Beach parking lot and access almost 1,000 feet of beach west of the lot. Driving to the west would avoid interfering with bathers at Flying Point Beach, and Mr. Warner also pointed out that there are no houses near this part of the beach, which was deeded to the town to be used as a recreational area.

The Trustees have been looking for more beaches where driving could be permitted in an attempt to relieve pressure at the “Picnic Area” in Southampton Village, the only ocean beach in town where four-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed during the day in summer.

Earlier this month, Mr. Warner, Trustee Scott Horowitz, Mr. Schneiderman, Councilwoman Christine Scalera and three members of the Southampton Association for Beach Access met at Triton Lane to discuss opening Hot Dog Beach in East Quogue to four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Southampton Village Mayor Mark Epley has previously said the Town Trustees were not doing enough to seek out additional beaches for driving, especially east of Shinnecock Inlet. But he is hopeful about this opportunity, he said, especially in terms of the relief the Picnic Area will get if another area is opened.

“I’m a big supporter,” Mr. Epley said. “I know it’s going to give us the relief we’re looking for.”