County Transfers Ownership Of Commercial Fishing Dock To Town

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Ownership of the Shinnecock commercial fishing dock in Hampton Bays has been transferred to the Town of Southampton.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman announced the transfer recently; the county transferred the deed to the town in an agreement that not only gives the town the 2-acre dock but an 11 acre beachfront parcel along Shinnecock Bay that stretches to almost Road I, the supervisor said in a release.

The dock is home to two dozen commercial fishing boats, one of the largest commercial fishing fleets in New York State, he added.

Until the transfer, it was owned by Suffolk County but operated by the town under an inter-municipal agreement. The commercial dock was initially developed in the early 1980s by the Suffolk County Department of Public Works, town officials said.

In 2002, the Town of Southampton entered into an inter-municipal agreement with the county as a tenant to operate, manage and repair the Shinnecock commercial dock in order “to foster, enhance and secure success of the local commercial fishing industry," town officials said.

In past years, the town has shared in the costs of repairs and upgrades with the county, including after Superstorm Sandy in 2013, a release said.

“This is another great example of municipalities working together to protect taxpayers while making smart investments that help our region realize its full potential,” Bellone said. “I want to thank Supervisor Schneiderman for his willingness to enter into this agreement that will highlight a crowned jewel on the East End and catalyze an important revitalization project in the town.”

“Our commercial fishing industry is a vital part of our economy and our history,” said Schneiderman.

He also thanked Bellone, Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming, New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele and New York State Senator Ken LaValle for working together to make the transfer happen.

The transfer required approval from the town and county as well as the state legislature because parkland was changing ownership from one governmental entity to another, Schneiderman said.

“I am very pleased that Southampton Town is now the proud owner of the Shinnecock commercial dock,” said Southampton Town Councilwoman Julie Lofstad, whose family has long been a part of the commercial fishing industry. “Our commercial fishing industry is a significant contributor to the economy."

Captains and crew of the vessels are the bread-winners for many of the town's local fishing families, she said.

"These boats provide the fresh wild-caught seafood that is served in restaurants and fish markets across our town, and around the world. The industry indirectly supports other related sectors of business, including bait and tackle shops, local hardware stores, welders, electricians, and many others. Taking ownership of the infrastructure that is so important to our fishermen shows that the town understands the importance of supporting this historical industry," Lofstad added.

Now that the town is officially the owner of the Shinnecock commercial fishing dock, necessary repairs and dock improvements can move forward to better serve the area's fishing industry without burdening county taxpayers, Thiele said.

In addition, Fleming said, the transfer will consolidate government services, reduce the burden on taxpayers, assure local control and maintenance, and allow the town to begin a revitalization project of the area that will benefit the commercial fishing industry and visitors alike.

The next phase of rehabilitation will include bulkhead replacement and electrical infrastructure upgrades, the town said.The bayfront property west of the dock will be added to the town’s parks and recreation department.

A ceremonial transfer of the deed is scheduled for June 28 at 11 a.m. at the Shinnecock Dock.