Schneiderman Pushes Bill to Waive County Beach Fees on Excessively Hot Days
In order to offer Suffolk residents relief from the heat without having to pay anything out-of-pocket, County Legislator Jay Schneiderman has introduced a bill that would give the county executive authority to waive parking fees at county beaches when temperatures spike.
Schneiderman, of Montauk, writes in his legislation that local governments frequently act to protect residents from heat exhaustion and heat stroke during heat waves by opening cooling centers. He says increasing access to beaches will also offer relief to residents.
The new executive power would apply when the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning. According to the NWS, “The warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life.”
A vote is expected at the legislature’s Tuesday, June 3, meeting in Hauppauge.
The bill would apply to Meschutt Beach on the bay in Hampton Bays, the lake at Sears Bellows County Park in Hampton Bays, Cupsogue Beach on the ocean in Westhampton, and Smith Point on the ocean in Shirley.
Normal fees are $15 for nonresidents and $8 for residents with Green Keys.