The Village of Bellport is firing back after Town of Brookhaven claims they're not allowing Brookhaven residents, specifically minorities -- access to Ho Hum Beach on Fire Island.

According to a 2018 resolution, Supervisor Dan Panico explained to News 12 that residents of the Town of Brookhaven are allowed to use the beach only accessible by boat. Currently, the only option is a ferry that is for Bellport Village residents only.

Supervisor Panico told News 12 that he has met with the village about the issue before but continues to experience hurdles when it comes to figuring out a way to get access to Brookhaven residents. Recently, Panico says he took matters into his own hands, chartering water taxis for residents, something he explained that he will continue to do for the duration of the summer.

The Village of Bellport Mayor Maureen Veitch sent News 12 the following statement:

At a news conference organized by the Town of Brookhaven Tuesday, residents who live in surrounding minority communities but do not pay Village of Bellport taxes said the situation feels like discrimination.

“It feels like 1956, it feels like 1963,” said Wilkens Young. “That’s what I’m starting to feel like and that’s why I’m upset. I’ve got grandkids, I’ve got great-grandkids and I want them to have the same opportunities that I had once I left.”

Supervisor Panico says Brookhaven is working with legal counsel on the matter.