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Divers ask Southampton trustees to restore non‑resident access to Old Ponquogue Bridge
Summary
Representatives of the Long Island Divers Association urged the Southampton Town Trustees to reconsider permit rules that restrict parking and access at the Old Ponquogue Bridge, proposing three permit options to allow certified non‑Suffolk County divers to access the site and offering stewardship assistance.
Barry Lipsky, president of the Long Island Divers Association, told the Southampton Town Trustees that certified scuba divers from beyond Suffolk County should be allowed controlled access to the Edward A. Smith (Old Ponquogue) Bridge beach and shoreline. "We're not asking the town to eliminate permit controls," Lipsky said, proposing either an annual non‑resident diver permit, a limited number of daily non‑resident permits during peak season, or a limited‑use barcode permit tied to certification.
Lipsky outlined the diving community's history with the site and its role in saving the bridge after Superstorm Sandy, saying divers supplied underwater documentation and advocacy that helped secure roughly $1.7 million in FEMA funds for repairs. "The diving community devoted countless volunteer hours researching the site, documenting underwater conditions, and presenting information," he said.
Trustees acknowledged the site's value but said some details fall under Town Parks & Recreation jurisdiction. A trustee explained that the trustees control the pilings and bottomlands but that parking and ramp permits are administered through the town and Parks & Rec; trustees pledged to check enforcement with Marine Patrol and to confirm how trustee boat‑ramp stickers and non‑resident permits are being honored. "We're not changing anything," a trustee said about existing trustee permits, while advising Lipsky to present the proposal to the Town Board and Parks & Rec for any change in town‑wide policy.
Maria Hults, a Hampton Bays resident and longtime Civic Association leader, supported Lipsky and described volunteer diving work to remove marine debris and monitor the habitat. She warned that a $175 non‑resident ramp fee is a hardship for many visiting divers and urged a fee structure that recognizes volunteers and the site's wider public and environmental benefits. "$175 is a lot of money for most of those divers to pay," Hults said.
Trustees suggested practical next steps: staff would verify how non‑resident boat‑ramp and trustee permits are being enforced, provide the applicant with application information, and consider a letter of support to the town Parks & Rec or Town Board. Lipsky offered the Long Island Divers Association's help with underwater stewardship projects if the trustees or town seek volunteer assistance.
The trustees did not adopt any immediate regulatory change; they advised the group to bring a formal proposal to the Town Board/Parks & Recreation and said the trustees would follow up on permit enforcement details with Marine Patrol and staff.
