About Us

Welcome to the Hampton Bays Beautification Association, Inc.a 501(C)3 Not For Profit

Call them the beauty vigilantes. In Hampton Bays in the 1980s, a small group of private citizens decided to take matters into their own hands. They felt that their community was lacking the quaint feel of other East End villages. And so, slowly but surely, the Hampton Bays Beautification Association, or HBBA for short, transformed their beloved hamlet into the picturesque center that it is today. Adopting eyesores as pet projects, the HBBA has installed medians, planted the hundreds of planters and urns that line the streets, even championed a contest for the hamlet’s flag. Many people don’t know about their efforts, but that’s okay with the group. “We try to figure out hat in the community needs our help,” said Susan von Freddi, the president of the association. “The town does help … but if it has a flower in it, it’s HBBA.” The group works in conjunction with the Southampton Town Parks and Recreation Department—department workers water all the planters and trees—as well as the Southampton Town Highway Department. The volunteers apply for state and county grants for the work, subsidizing their efforts with donations and their own sweat equity.

The Hampton Bays Beautification Association, Inc. was founded in 1985, with a core belief that beauty is a force that makes our community healthier, vibrant and more livable. 2017 will be our 32nd Anniversary.The HBBA, through its volunteers, working with government, other community organizations and business shares the common purpose of beautifying the physical surroundings of Hampton Bays. The value of beautification is clearly recognized as a major factor in attracting new residents, elevating tourism and sustaining the economy.

As you approach Hampton Bays from the north, west or east you are welcomed into this Hamlet by blue and gold signs “Welcome to Hampton Bays.” These signs and the scenic landscapes exemplifies the community spirit, pride, involvement, and talent of the members of Hampton Bays Beautification Association. The organization, founded in 1985 by a few community-spirited people interested in beautifying their town, now has over 1000 members and sponsors supporting this aesthetic effort. HBBA lends beauty to the scenic landscapes and provides both fun and pleasure to the lives of its members and the community.

HBBA works with other agencies, county and local government to achieve its goals. Some of the scenic improvements include the creation of the beautiful lighted Medians on Route 24 and the Shinnecock Canal Gateway, the Flagpole and gardens on Montauk Highway, the placement of the rock and anchor at the UA theater plaza, the public art at the Maritime Park, the bricking along Main Street and the placement of brick planters. HBBA has placed many benches and planted trees along Main Street and in our Parks. Suffolk County and Southampton Town assisted with our beautiful lighted Vince Cannuscio Trail.  HBBA along with the Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Southampton played a major role in the development of the new Pocket Park located on Main Street. Some ongoing projects are the yearly purchase and maintaining of the flowering hanging baskets downtown. Every fall our decorating committee gather and place colorful banners along Main Street and each holiday season HBBA places decorative lights throughout downtown. There are social events held annually which help to finance the efforts of HBBA. These include the Garden Party and the Famous Chinese Auction held every June, the Free Concert Under the Stars in August and the Holiday Luncheon each December. HBBA has participated in several Saint Patrick’s Day Parades and was the proud winner of “first place” in the float competition three times. The planning and execution of these fundraising events provide the membership the ability to utilize their talents and skills, as well as enjoy the fun and friendships that develop from working together. The involved members enjoy a esprit de corps and are truly proud of their accomplishments.

New memberships are always welcome and we invite you to attend our meetings the first Monday of each month from April through December at the HB Public Library at 7:00 PM. Except on Holiday’s.  We are always looking for new members to join in the fun of making our Hamlet a wonderful place to live. If you are interested in joining HBBA, we provide a membership application form for you.   There are various sponsorship categories available for businesses wishing to support our efforts to improve the community. HBBA qualifies as a tax exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of the US Internal Revenue Code and therefore contributions to it are deductible as permitted by law. Check out our APPRECIATION page.

Article written by Dr. Grace M. Daly, member of the HBBA Board of Directors.

HBBA Produces a Maritime Documentary!!

“Tide and Time: The Maritime Heritage of Hampton Bays”. a Documentary by Tom Garber of New Wave Films.  A feature film of the maritime history of Hampton Bays is completed and can be purchased here by check or money order. This 47 minute documentary traces the history of our area from the glaciers up until the present time. From aerial footage, to personal interviews, to newspaper articles and newsreel footage. The maritime history of the area is rich with both action and cultural connections exhibiting the strenth, courageand charactor of the men and women of Hampton Bays. This wonderful DVD is available to the public with a minimum donation of $10.00 plus $5.00 for shipping and handling. This film makes a wonderful gift for family or friends.

To order send an email to president@hbba.net or call 631-723-0730

HBBA Memorial Tree Program: Contact president@hbba.com for more information or download an application here:
Memorial Tree Program Application
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