Hamptons Beaches Raise Parking Fees to Cover Covid-19 Costs

Many of the glitzy Hamptons communities on Long Island’s eastern tip will increase fees for out-of-towners using their beaches this summer, in part to offset Covid-19-related costs.

The town of East Hampton—which includes the hamlets of Montauk, Amagansett and other well-known summer getaway locations—raised nonresident beach parking permits to $500 from $375, while single-day passes for out-of-towners doubled to $50.

Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc attributed the increase to hiring additional beach staff in the summer of 2020 to keep East Hampton’s sands and public bathrooms clean while also ensuring beaches were limited to 50% capacity and complying with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s social-distancing order for reopening public beaches and lakes statewide.

The town also flew drones over its beachfront to help monitor overcrowding, including at popular destinations such as South Edison Street in downtown Montauk. Mr. Van Scoyoc said the town is considering using drones again this year to determine whether beachgoers should be directed to other sections.