Owners and residents urge East Hampton to reverse reduced surf‑lesson permit capacity

Owners of the East End Surf Club and several residents urged the East Hampton Town Board on Thursday to reconsider a modification to the surf‑lesson seasonal permit that reduces the number of students and instructors allowed in the water at one time.

"I'm quite shocked," resident Helene Fallon told the board during an extended public‑comment period, saying the club hires local youth and offers discounts to families who cannot afford lessons. "If you reduce the size of the program, then they no longer are going to be able to give the discounts. They're gonna have to lay off some of the kids that they're able to hire." (Helene Fallon)

Mike Foley, who identified himself as a co‑owner of the East End Surf Club, said he and his partner, Pat Fallon, were surprised the board approved a permit that lowers the previously agreed maximum. "If we are scaled back in any way, it directly impacts our ability to make a living ... We'll have to cut local staff that we can't afford to pay anymore," Foley said. (Mike Foley)

Chris Polley, another resident who called in, said the change was made without notice to the owners or to members of the public who follow board business. "I would ask that the board reconsider the resolution, reopen the resolution, and vote it as it was passed last year," Polley said, adding that the club provides water‑safety training and other services to local children. (Chris Polley)

Town staff and a board member told callers during the meeting that the approved permit includes a breakdown of student‑to‑instructor ratios and that "the maximum number of students and instructors in the water is not to exceed 21," a reduction from the 31 allowed last year. The clerk confirmed operators had been notified before the vote. The board approved the seasonal permit by voice vote during the resolutions block. (Town staff)

The owners said they will follow up with Deputy Supervisor Kate Rogers' office to seek clarification or reconsideration. At the meeting, staff provided a contact number for the deputy supervisor's office and invited callers to speak with staff after the meeting. The board closed the public comment period and proceeded with other agenda items.

The town did not, during the meeting record, identify who moved the numerical change to the permit. The East End Surf Club owners and residents said they will pursue further discussion with town staff and board members about restoring prior numbers to the permit.

The town board's approval of the permit and the stated limit was recorded on the meeting minutes; any administrative reconsideration would be reflected in a future board action or public hearing notice.