Dear Napeague Beach Homeowners,
Congratulations on being rich and successful. You most likely deserve what you have, attaining it through your hard work or proper marrying. Part of your success has allowed you to own one of the finest homes in one of the finest areas in the world—the Hamptons. More specifically, your beautiful home at Napeague Beach in Amagansett.
Now, let me explain something to you. Part of the deal when buying or renting a home in the Hamptons is access to the beaches. This is also true if you simply visit the area. Tourists from all over the world come to the Hamptons and enjoy the beaches, and it does not matter which beach they decide to spend their time on. They can visit them all.
Or can they? Last Monday, a New York State Supreme Court justice said no to you, the Napeague homeowners, in your request for a summary judgement against East Hampton Town over beach ownership and will be moved to trial. The lawsuit, brought by a group of oceanfront homeowners in 2009, is the larger of two legal actions contesting the town’s ownership of the beach. Essentially, some of you, a small group of homeowners, believe you have the right to say who you think should be allowed on the beach and want the power to deny access to certain people.
You see, here in the Hamptons, thanks to the work of Town Trustees stretching back to the 1600s, beaches belong to everybody. That’s why you can park at one beach, and, if you are in the mood, walk or run down to any other. By law, nobody can tell you that you can’t be at a certain beach.
This is also true for 4 wheel drive vehicles, if you have the proper permits. One thing that has been going on at Napeague on approximately 4,000 feet of sand is trucks parking on the beach to enjoy a day with family or friends. The only people on the planet that this seems to bother is a very small group who have money and live nearby.
I hate to tell you this, but you are simply grossly exaggerating when you say this is “a big problem.” It is not a problem. In fact it is quite wonderful. I’ve seen these people you have such an issue with (and, frankly, there are not even that many of them). I suspect, that at this point, your problem has more to do with spite than anything else.
Isn’t it nice to live in a place where people can enjoy nature together with their friends and families? Isn’t it nice to know that freedom is still going strong, no matter how hard certain people may want to take it away? Maybe you don’t agree.
Why people going to the beach bothers you so much is kind of mind boggling, but I digress. Take issue with whomever and whatever you wish. This is America, after all. But one thing I will tell you, as a friend giving friendly advice, is to consider this: What do you really expect to accomplish?
Let’s say, hypothetically, that you win the lawsuit, and get what you want—nobody at the beach except for people who you say deserve to be there. Do you honestly think that this will solve your “problem?” Do you honestly think that fishermen, surfers and locals whose family names date back hundreds of years in the Hamptons are going to roll over and say, “Okay, no problem, we won’t go there anymore since these priviledged few told us we couldn’t.”
Or do you think that it will only exacerbate your problem?
I know for a fact that not all of you who live down at Napeague and own a home on the beach are in favor of this lawsuit. Some of you think it is ridiculous. The reason I know that is because I’m friends with a few of you.
Consider losing this attitude. Besides, if you continue to want a beach that nobody else is allowed to be on but yourself, maybe you could buy a private island in the Bahamas. I’m sure you can afford it.
Sincerely,
David Rattiner
There’s no such thing as a private beach in the State of New York.
New York State Doctrine of Public Trust:
“In New York State the public trust waters are the waters of the State, and the public trust lands are the lands now, or formerly, beneath those waters to the high water mark. The living resources inhabiting or dependent on these lands and waters are also subject to the Public Trust Doctrine. On Long Island, as a result of colonial era grants, some of these public trust lands are held by the towns.”
read the whole thing here: http://nyswaterfronts.com/waterfront_public_trust.asp
Dear Dan….I don’t always agree with you, but this time I am giving you a standing ovation! I’ve got much to say, but I think I’ll leave those words to you since you have put it all into perspective so well! Let ‘em have it, both barrels, Bub!
For God’s sake, its DAVID that wrote this and who writes the blog, Dan’s son!
I swear I should just change my name.
It’s okay Dave… people have been calling me Dan since I began working for him 20 years ago. Just accept it to the world we are all Dan in some way shape or form!
Tom R
One more thought, IF they win their court fight, which I highly doubt, perhaps they should lower the taxes of those of us who won’t be allowed to use their beach, and grossly raise the taxes of those who win their stupid case.
I think that should be a part of their package, don’t you?
A month late but still standing. I absolutely agree with you. If they win, they should pay for the taxes and not the locals’ who’ve been denied access. Great point.
Valentine deFrancis
Good job David…
Many apologies David….
Thank you for publicly voicing what so many of us East Enders feel!
Fantastic property, well eipepuqd, stunning location would highly recommend.Lunch on Easter Sunday at Into The Blue was good value and brilliant good service, good food.By Jane.
While I’m not one who drives on the beach and frankly don’t get it, I still side with all those who maintain that the beaches should be accessible to ALL.
Actually, it would be really nice, NOT to have all those vehicles on the beach.
I agree. It does make things a tad dangerous, not to mention sandy when they begin driving.
Didn’t David Rattiner inherit his job from grandpa? While I may agree with the writer, his tone is god awful. David Rattiner, just an angry trust fund baby.
Actually I’ve been working my ass off here since I was 18 years old and have had to put up with bologna like this ever since I started. Maybe you should spend your time doing your own job instead of hating on others. You’ll be happier.
Dave don’t be concerned of comments that are based on ignorance. Your dad started the paper from nothing without help. He did it himself and almost lost it a couple times. Trust fund NO, hard work YES. It is amaising the people that blog out of anger and spite. They say things and hide behind the digital media.
Actually, lederboy, Davids tone is spot on. It is your tone that is god awfull. Furthermore, who cares how he got his job, It does not negate the truth of his article. The concept of beach ownership is a dream of the ignorant.
Well written, Dan. Don’t let those greedy Gatsbies get away with it!
Hmmn … perhaps a new nom d’plum just been coined for you and others to wield in this stuggle ..: “The Greedy Gatsbies”.
Jack
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Well written, David (just notice actual authorship). Don’t let those greedy Gatsbies get away with it!
Hmmn … perhaps a new nom d’plum just been coined for you and others to wield in this stuggle ..: “The Greedy Gatsbies”.
Jack
When you bought the house you didn’t buy the beach. In other countries you can buy the beach so go there if that’s what is important to you.
I think that the homeowners’ believe that they are above the status of the locals and the people who come to visit; therefore, they only want the upper crust to visit their beach, as opposed to the minions. Tsk. If they lose their money, they’ll first learn how it feels to be humiliated and shunned.
I dont live in the area but love The Hamptons. Been going there since the 1970′s. I have a question . Doesn’t the property owner have rights to something like 50ft in front of there house per se? Of course the beaches should be free . I don’t personally like vehicles being able to go on the beach for many reasons. If I were fortunate enough to EVER own property on the beach I would have a problem with anyone parking their blanket right in front of my house and lets just say smoke/ play loud music. or litter. Since I have no idea whats going on there is this perhaps what they are complaining about?