Southampton summer colony

The summer residents believed that this would give them broad representation, but the decision-making power remained primarily with the executive committee, which did not include these local members.

The SVIA also gave an honorary membership to Walter Burling, the publisher of The Seaside Times, in order to secure positive press coverage for the organization.

In 1892, a judge ruled that the beach in front of the summer residents' houses belonged to them, but the locals could still haul their fish and have free passage.

This ruling marked the formalization of the exclusive nature of the Southampton Summer Colony as it exists today.

One of the key provisions of the patent was the granting of an easement, which gave the Town Trustees the power to regulate activities within a specific zone, such as fishing and collecting seaweed.

Prior to the 1880's locals used the hard packed sand of the beach for wagons with wide wooden wheels as it was better than the inland road which was rugged and pitted.

The bill would protect the right of East End residents to ride their four-wheel-drive vehicles on area beaches, which has been threatened by legislation sponsored by a State Assemblyman from Westchester and a notice of claim filed by a group of beachfront homeowners in Southampton Village.

Town, county, and state officials gathered in Hampton Bays to pledge to stave off challenges that seek to limit beach vehicle access.

This perception may stem from the fact that such legislation could limit public access to the beach, potentially benefiting the property owners at the expense of the wider community.