Southampton Town vote clears way for overnight parking

Town of Southampton residents can now park year-round in an overnight Bridgehampton municipal lot.

The town board passed a resolution Tuesday allowing five consecutive days of parking year-round in the municipal lot behind Candy Kitchen on Route 27 and east of School Street.

The resolution, introduced by Councilwoman Christine Scalera, passed unanimously.

Previously, five-day parking was prohibited from Oct. 15 to May 15.

At the meeting, officials said it was a part of the town’s overall plan to encourage public transportation, as well as to respond to requests from residents.

There are 37 overnight spots available.

Several residents who spoke at the meeting said they work or live in the city and return on weekends to their East End home — either their second or first home — and would prefer to use the Hampton Jitney or Hampton Luxury Liner from the city to the Hamptons.

The lot is close to the drop-off points for both coach buses, said Thomas Neely, the town’s director of public transportation and traffic safety.

The Long Island Rail Road Bridgehampton station is two blocks away, where there is more overnight parking, Neely said.

Residents must purchase a permit to use the lot through the town clerk’s office. Cost depends on where residents live, since some pay special parking district taxes.