Southampton, N.Y. – Meadow Lane, known for its multi-million-dollar oceanfront estates overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is set to become home to the only town-owned beach in the Town of Southampton. Town officials are moving forward with a proposal to purchase a luxury mansion on the exclusive stretch and convert the property into public beach access for residents.
Town Moves Forward With $25.8 Million Purchase
The Southampton Town Council is expected to advance a plan to buy the oceanfront home at 1950 Meadow Lane for $25.8 million. The 11-bedroom mansion sits directly on the Atlantic Ocean and offers sweeping views of Shinnecock Bay.
Rather than preserving the structure, the town plans to demolish the house and protect the land so it can be opened for public use as a town beach.
“If you can get an opportunity to acquire and preserve an oceanfront property, you really have to give it serious consideration,” said Jim Burke, Southampton Town Attorney.
Funding Comes From Community Preservation Fund
The purchase would be financed through Southampton’s Community Preservation Fund, which is supported by a real estate transfer tax and is dedicated to protecting environmentally and historically valuable land across the East End.
The Town Council closed the public hearing portion of the proposal earlier this week and is expected to vote on the acquisition later this month.
First Town Beach on Exclusive Meadow Lane
Once completed, the site would become the only town-owned beach in the area, expanding access for residents who do not live in the Village of Southampton.
“Now we will have a town beach in the village where all town residents will be able to go and enjoy,” said Councilmember Michael Iasilli.
Currently, Meadow Lane is also home to Cooper’s Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the country. However, Cooper’s Beach is managed by the Village of Southampton and requires permits, with limited parking availability.
Residents React to Expanded Beach Access
Local residents say the new beach would ease long-standing frustrations about limited public access along the oceanfront.
“If you don’t live in the village you have to buy a permit, or you have to go late in the day,” said Jackie Kleinman, a Southampton resident. “So this is going to be spectacular.”
Others view the move as a step toward balancing access between wealthy homeowners and the broader community.
“It gives the people of Southampton more beach access,” said Thomas Smith, who works in the area. “That the ultra-wealthy have the beaches and regular people can’t go has been a bone of contention, so it’s probably a good thing.”
Plans for Dunes and Parking
According to town officials, most of the natural dunes on the property will be preserved. While the mansion itself will be razed, plans also include constructing a small parking lot to accommodate visitors without overdeveloping the site.
Timeline for Opening the New Beach
While the Town Council is expected to approve the purchase later this month, officials caution that it could take several months before demolition, environmental preservation work, and site planning are completed and the beach is ready for public use.
If approved, the Meadow Lane property would mark a significant expansion of public shoreline access in one of the most exclusive coastal areas of Long Island.
