08/01/2026
Southampton has authorized the use of eminent domain to secure permanent beach and dune easements across about 98 oceanfront properties in Quogue, East Quogue and Hampton Bays, clearing a legal path for the town to obtain property rights needed for a federal coastal storm protection project.
The Town Board approved the action July 28 after reviewing testimony and written comments submitted during an eminent domain hearing process that began June 3. The resolution allows the town attorney to continue negotiating voluntary easements and, when an agreement cannot be reached, begin court proceedings to acquire the required rights through condemnation.
The properties are part of Contract 3B of the Fire Island Inlet to Montauk Point Coastal Storm Risk Management Project, commonly called FIMP. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to use offshore sand to construct and maintain an engineered beach and dune system along portions of the developed Atlantic shoreline west of Shinnecock Inlet.
