August, 2026-- Surfrider Foundation’s Eastern Long Island Chapter helped deliver an important victory for beach access in Southampton Village, New York.
Southampton Village reversed a proposal that would have dramatically restricted beach parking by requiring permits year-round. On August 13, the Village Board voted against the proposed changes to Chapter 86 of the Village Code, preserving the existing seasonal parking system.
Under the proposal, parking permits would have been required at all times at Village beach parking areas, rather than only during the traditional May 15–September 15 season. For many East End residents, that would have eliminated an important opportunity to access Southampton’s beaches during the off-season—when beaches are often especially valuable for surfing, fishing, paddleboarding, kite surfing, and simply enjoying the shoreline.
The proposal also raised concerns about expanding parking restrictions in areas such as Road D, one of the Village beaches that had provided an important avenue for public access. Surfrider argued that restricting access to the shoreline through parking rules can substantially diminish the public’s ability to exercise its right to use the beach.
Surfrider’s Eastern Long Island Chapter mobilized in advance of the August 13 public hearing, sharing information about the proposed changes, alerting the media, and encouraging public participation.
Surfrider staff and volunteers attended the hearing and testified against the proposed regulations. At the hearing, Surfrider staffer Brody Eggert urged Village officials to reconsider the approach, saying the organization would be willing to work with the Village on a future policy.
Matt has worked in coastal management for more than fifteen years with organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation. He holds a master's degree in Coastal Environmental Management from Duke University. As Mid-Atlantic Policy Manager, his favorite part of the role is meeting and working with the network's amazing volunteers and staff.