Bill > A04660

This bill clarifies and confirms the legal authority of the Trustees of the Freeholders and Commonalty of the town of Southampton, a historic body created by the Dongan Patent of 1686, over the ocean beaches in Southampton, Suffolk County, New York. The bill officially extinguishes the previously existing Trustees for the Proprietors of the town of Southampton, which disbanded in 1882, and explicitly confirms that all previous authority over ocean beaches now rests with the Freeholders and Commonalty Trustees. The bill defines "ocean beaches" as the area between the crest of the primary dune and the high water mark of the Atlantic Ocean within Southampton, and reaffirms the trustees' historical rights to enforce public access to these beaches, manage local waters, and make rules and regulations for the town's property and franchises. Additionally, the bill preserves the existing powers of incorporated villages within Southampton over their lands, beaches, and waters, and takes effect immediately upon passage. This legislation aims to resolve long-standing legal uncertainties about the trustees' powers and clarify their continued role in managing Southampton's coastal resources.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4660