‘Private Beach’ Sign Irks

The East Hampton Town Trustees say that the sign on the beach at Barnes Landing in Amagansett is misleading. The area below the high-water line is public land, the trustees say, and fishing is therefore an allowable activity.

Morgan McGivern

In addition to designating the beach private, the sign asserts a prohibition on vehicles, driving, fires, and fishing.

Apr. 28, 2016

Christopher Walsh

A sign erected on the beach at Barnes Landing in Amagansett is misleading, the East Hampton Town Trustees agreed at their meeting on Monday, and should be modified.

In addition to designating the beach private, the sign asserts a prohibition on vehicles, driving, fires, and fishing. It emphasizes that walking on the beach is the public’s sole right.

In March 1931, the trustees deeded land to Dennistoun Bell, who owned land that is now the Broadview Property Owners Association, in exchange for Fresh Pond and adjacent uplands. Nonetheless, “From what I understand, we still have the right to traverse to the high-water mark, if you’re going to stand on the beach and cast a rod,” said Francis Bock, the trustees’ clerk.

“Or walk your dog, or walk yourself,” Diane McNally added. The sign, she said, was “a little misleading” and “took some people by surprise.”

Mr. Bock said yesterday that, “Typically, below the high-water mark anywhere is public, whether it’s a private beach or not. If you’re below high-water casting a rod into the water, I don’t think they have a right to object.”

The trustees had taken no action as of yesterday, but the Broadview Property Owners Association was likely to hear from them. “I suspect they’re going to be getting a letter,” Mr. Bock said on Monday.