2024 • Issue 1 | eNEWSLETTER

MARIA Z. MOORE, SUPERVISOR

The first three months of my tenure as Supervisor have passed quickly. It’s been a pleasure getting to know the dedicated employees who work for the Town, digging into the many projects in process, and initiating new ones. The members of the Town Board are working collaboratively with each member bringing valuable experience to the Board that will help us succeed in our endeavors. The 2015 Riverside Action Plan is high on my list of priorities and I’m pleased to report that the Board adopted a resolution this month establishing the sewer district, a major step in completing a wastewater treatment plant for Riverside that will protect the environment and revitalize the hamlet. Wastewater treatment is also on the agenda for Hampton Bays with similar goals of improved water quality and downtown revitalization.

I had the pleasure of meeting with Governor Hochul to discuss the solutions for housing, infrastructure and transportation that will serve the residents of the Town of Southampton. I also met with County Executive Ed Romaine this month to discuss the demands for solid waste management, as the Brookhaven Town landfill is slated to close soon. We also discussed traffic on County Road 39, and related transportation concerns. The first meeting of our Traffic Mitigation Task Force will take place in April and we will explore long-term solutions and work together with the County as they pursue their own Traffic Study, so that together we can find more permanent solutions.

It is a privilege to serve as your Town Supervisor. Along with my fellow Board members, I look forward to diligently serving the Town and addressing the evolving needs of our residents.

SWEARING-IN CEREMONY AT TOWN HALL

On Wednesday, January 3, 2024, the swearing-in ceremony began at Southampton Town Hall with the arrival of bagpipers in the auditorium. Following, local officials were sworn-in in front of a standingroom-only audience of current and past local government leaders, family members, employees and community members. We extend our warmest wishes to Supervisor Maria Z Moore, Councilmember Bill Pell, Councilmember Michael Anthony Iasilli, Tax Receiver Theresa A. Kiernan, Board of Trustees members Scott Horowitz, Edward J. Warner Jr., Richard T. Maran Jr., Joseph McLoughlin, Matthew Parsons, and Town Justice Gary J. Weber.

The Town Board meets on a regular basis, with Town Board meetings scheduled for the second Tuesday of each month at 1:00 pm and the fourth Tuesday at 6:00 pm, unless otherwise indicated on the 2024 Meeting Schedule. Additionally, work sessions are held every Thursday at 10:00 am.

The Town Trustees conduct their work session on the first and third Monday of every month at 9:30 am. Subsequently, a regular Board meeting is held at 1:00 pm, unless otherwise specified in the Trustees Meeting Schedule.

To view the most up-to-date Southampton board meetings, schedules, and agendas, please visiting the Town Clerk portal at www.southamptonny.iqm2.com/citizens

SOUTHAMPTON TOWN BOARD

Maria Z. Moore Town Supervisor

Michael A. Iasilli Councilmember

Cyndi McNamara Councilwoman

William Pell IV Councilman

Tommy John Schiavoni Councilman

Sundy A. Schermeyer Town Clerk

Theresa A. Kiernan Receiver of Taxes

Charles McArdle Superintendent of Highways

TOWN TRUSTEES

Scott M. Horowitz President

Edward J. Warner, Jr. Secretary-Treasurer

Richard T. Maran, Jr.

Joseph R. McLoughlin

Matthew Parsons

A new location for the HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT & TOWN TRUSTEES

The Southampton Town Trustees and the Town’s Housing and Community Development Department have recently relocated to their new offices. This move took place on December 28 and their offices are now housed in a town-owned building at 240 West Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays. It’s worth noting that the town’s bay constables are also located at this same location.

The Housing and Community Development office is responsible for managing affordable housing programs and community development initiatives. They also oversee the Community Senior Services Division, Youth Bureau Division, Domestic Violence Advocacy, Grant Programs, Honor Flight Long Island, Mental Health Awareness, and Veterans Services. To inquire about their services, or to schedule an appointment, please call 631-702-1731.

Town residents looking to acquire 4x4, boat ramp, waterfowl, or shell-fishing permit, or those intending to build a new bulkhead on Trustee-controlled bottomlands, can now easily submit their applications at the Hampton Bays office. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call the Town Trustees’ Office at 631-287-5717.

PARKS & RECREATION NEWS

Beach parking permits are presently available for purchase on online. Go to www.southamptontownny.gov/beachpermit for more information.

Lifeguard Certification and CPR courses for ages 15 and older will begin at the end of April. Star AquaCenter is offering up to five scholarships to cover the full cost of the courses and will be accepting applications through April 12. Go to bit.ly/STARLifeguard and www.southamptontownny.gov/lifeguard-training

Bay Avenue Marina

In the fall of 2023 we broke ground on the installation of a new shade pavilion at Bay Avenue Marina in East Quogue. In late February the project was completed and includes a new 12X16 steel pavilion, ADA accessible concrete pad with walking path, and ADA accessible parking pad.

This effort was a collaboration of board approved capital funding, CPF ADA improvements funding, and Parks Maintenance support for project site preparations. This site creates a community spot for enjoying lunch by the water, viewing morning or evening sunrises or sunsets, and a host of other recreational uses for the East Quogue hamlet. The Marina is a short walk from the East Quogue downtown area.

In addition, we have recently added kayak storage racks to this location that are available to rent. Applications are readily available by visiting www.southamptontownny.gov//Bay-Avenue

Red Creek Park

Planned court improvements at Red Creek Park are scheduled to begin in mid April. The current plan is to completely remove and replace the existing 6 tennis courts with 8 new pickleball courts and 3 new tennis courts. The new courts will be constructed using a post tension concrete slab system, which is considered the gold standard for court surfaces. We are anticipating a completion prior to Memorial Day.

In addition, other improvements are planned for the park in the next few months. Those improvements include; turfing of the West Field, new basketball courts, and renovations to the hockey rink.

240 W. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO COLLECT REUSABLE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

North Sea & Hampton Bays Transfer Stations

Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara is pleased to announce that the Town of Southampton is once again partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Long Island to collect reusable household items at the North Sea Transfer Station starting Wednesday, March 20 and the Hampton Bays Transfer Station starting Friday, March 22.

Town residents can drop off new or slightly used furniture, appliances, kitchen cabinets and building materials that will then be resold at the Habitat for Humanity of Long Island ReStore in Ronkonkoma, with proceeds supporting affordable housing projects.

“The community has really embraced this program,” said Councilwoman McNamara. “Over the last couple of years, we’ve collected so many usable items that would have wound up in our landfills. Now these items will be sold to help Habitat raise funds for affordable housing efforts. It’s a great partnership.”

“As we begin our third season of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle program, we want to thank all of the donors, residents, and of course, the Town of Southampton for supporting our mission. The items donated through this program have been tremendously helpful in raising the critical funding needed for Habitat for Humanity of Long Island to fulfill its mission. As the affordable housing crisis on Long Island has created a greater need for housing than we have ever seen before; your support has become even more crucial for our mission,” stated Courtney Collins, Director of Operations at Long Island ReStore.

The Habitat truck will be collecting donations at the North Sea Transfer Station on Wednesdays from 10am-2pm, starting on March 20 and at the Hampton Bays Transfer Station on Fridays from 10am-2pm, starting on March 22. The program runs through mid-November.

Commercial entities and contractors can participate by contacting Habitat for Humanity of Long Island ReStore directly to arrange for off-site pick-ups by calling 631-767-1612 or emailing restore@habitatliny.org.

TOWN BOARD DESIGNATES EACH MONTH OF APRIL AS “DARK SKIES MONTH” FROM 2024 ONWARD

Thanks to the work of the Southampton Town Dark Skies Committee, each year the Town recognizes Dark Skies Week. However, each year, that week changes based on the cycle of the moon. In order to consistently draw attention to the importance of Dark Skies advocacy and legislation, the Town Board passed a resolution on March 26 to designate each month of April as “Dark Skies Month,” from 2024 onward, creating an annual recognition to note the importance of Dark Skies regulations and promote public understanding about our natural resources.

Light pollution is often associated with overdevelopment and disrupts enjoyment of the night sky. However, artificial light has negative impacts on many creatures, including amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and plants. Such light can also affect cycles of migration, reproduction, nourishment of nocturnal wildlife.

In order to continue to protect Southampton’s ecological and natural resources, as well as the celestial features of the night sky for future generations, this legislation will enable the Town Board and Dark Skies Committee to bring awareness every April on the importance of artificial light reduction. Councilmember Iasilli stated, “One of my top priorities is the protection of wildlife. Dark Skies legislation protects nocturnal wildlife and reinforces the conservation of energy resources, which is good for ratepayers and the natural environment.”

On Friday, April 12 at 7 PM the Town Dark Skies Committee will be hosting an event at the Southampton High School Planetarium. Astronomy teacher John Walsh will lead a discussion exploring nighttime wonders.

SENIOR SERVICES

TOWN OF SOUTHAMPTON

SENIORS SHOPPING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Did you know... Residents of Southampton Town aged 60 and older can take advantage of the shopping assistance program offered by the Senior Services division in Southampton Town. It offers support to seniors who are unable to shop for groceries and medications by themselves. This service is targeted towards seniors who are essentially homebound, facing mobility challenges, or lacking the necessary support for their shopping needs. Senior will be assessed to determine whether shopping assistance is needed, and the level and/or frequency of the assistance

THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE:

• Direct assistance with shopping: Program staff will go to and from the market/pharmacy and shop for the senior.

• In-home online ordering assistance: Program staff will schedule an in-home appointment to help seniors place their digital order using an electronic tablet or computer. Program staff will coordinate the delivery date and time with the senior.

There is no fee for the Shopping Assistance Program. Recipients of service under the Shopping Assistance Program, shall be given the opportunity to make a suggested voluntary and anonymous contribution of $5.00. All contributions are used to expand the program. Service will not be denied based on a senior’s inability to make a voluntary contribution.

Please call (631) 728-1235 ext. 4306 to schedule an appointment with Randy, or for more information. Randy is available Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8am-2pm.

CONE PROGRAM

Canoe Place Road / Montauk Highway

Starting on April 1, the Canoe Place Road/Montauk Highway cone program will be implemented by the Southampton Town Police and Southampton Town Highway Department. This program will run from Monday to Friday, 5:30am to 9:30am, and is designed to alleviate traffic congestion during rush hour. Traffic lights at the intersection will flash yellow for eastbound and westbound traffic on Montauk Highway, and red for vehicles exiting Canoe Place Road.

Southampton Town Police Sponsor BIKE RODEO FREE

Saturday, April 13 10am-12pm

EAST QUOGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

6 Central Avenue, East Quogue

Bike Safety Check, Helmet Fitting, Bring Your Bike To Ride The Safety Course. Parents/Guardians, we kindly request your presence alongside your children throughout the duration of the event.

Southampton Town POLICE DEPARTMENT

Members of the Town Board were delighted to participate in the Southampton Town Police Department’s Annual Awards & Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, February 28th, to convey their gratitude for the department’s dedication to ensuring the safety of our community. It is truly admirable to have a police force that has successfully implemented justice reform measures, including the use of body cameras and community policing initiatives, all focused on protecting the welfare of our school children.

Southampton Town YOUTH BUREAU

Last fall the Youth Bureau offered a new program in partnership with East End Arts at the Flanders Community Center for children in grades 3rd and 4th. 2Rs4Fun! is a creative writing project born from Mary Ita Dwyer’s vision for fostering youth authors. Started on Shelter Island, this initiative has now spread to the Flanders community in Southampton Town under the coordination of Kathleen Dwyer Ruscick, Director of East End Arts and Daughter of Mary Ita Dwyer. The mission of 2Rs4Fun! is to empower students to explore their thoughts, embrace their unique voice, and express themselves through creative writing. Adult mentors are paired with 3rd and 4th graders through a ten week program and the students are guided to explore poetry, art, and creative writing.

Students from Phillips Avenue School, enrolled in our Monday afterschool program, worked one-on-one with adult volunteers. This attention helped children feel validated and inspired in their creative process. Adult attention always helps children improve self-confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills. We are very excited to continue the program through this Spring with East End Arts.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Pre-Season Beach Permit ONLINE SALES

Bike Rodeo Sat, April 13, 10am-12pm East Quogue School

Got Drugs? Operation Medicine Cabinet Sat. April 27, 10am-2pm

Great East End Cleanup

April 27 & April 28, 2024

Spring Leaf Cleanup

Beginning Monday April 15th and

Ending Wednesday May 22nd

Second-Half Tax payments due May 31, 2024

Sign up for NotifyMe

Stay informed with the latest updates from the Town of Southampton by signing up for NotifyMe. Our NotifyMe Center allows citizens to receive email notifications from different departments.

McNamara Announces Launch of 2024 HOMETOWN HEROES BANNER PROGRAM

Southampton Town Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara announced today the launch of the 2024 “Hometown Heroes Banner Program.” The initiative, spearheaded last year by Councilwoman McNamara and Westhampton VFW Post 5350, aims to recognize and honor our local military men and women by displaying personalized banners with their picture and military service information in Good Ground Park in Hampton Bays. New this year, Councilwoman McNamara would like to expand the program to include other park locations throughout the Town. Those locations will be determined based on the number of banners ordered.

“I’m proud to partner once again with the Westhampton VFW Post 5350 on the banner program,” said Councilwoman McNamara, liaison to the Veterans Affairs Committee. “Last year was a great start and I’m hoping to expand the program this year.”

Banner applications are now being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with one banner per sponsor. To qualify, honorees must be a former or current resident of the Town of Southampton, and must be serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces. The cost of the eighteen by thirty-six-inch banner will be $200, with a portion of the proceeds to be administered by Westhampton VFW Post 5350 to benefit local veterans’ organizations or to assist families with a banner purchase.

The program will run from Memorial Day through Veterans Day. At the end of the program period, program sponsors will be able to pick up their banner at the Housing and Community Services Department located at 240 W. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays. For more information about the “Hometown Heroes Banner Program” contact Jamie Bowden at hometownhero@southamptontownny.gov.

Those interested in purchasing a banner please visit WWW.SOUTHAMPTONTOWNNY.GOV/HOMETOWN-HEROES-BANNER

NEED A STRESS-FREE WAY TO TRAVEL TO WORK DURING PEAK HOURS

The South Fork Commuter Connection (SFCC) has got you covered! The LIRR and Hampton Hopper bus system work together to provide a dependable public transportation choice for commuters from Monday to Friday, except for major legal holidays.

The service offers local LIRR trips, stopping in Speonk, Westhampton, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk. Select trains will connect with last-mile shuttle bus service to nearby workplaces.

Commuters west of the Canal are encouraged to park at an LIRR station west of the Canal, then ride the train to their destination east of the Canal. At the stations east of the Canal, ‘last mile’ shuttle services will bring riders to the villages, hamlets and employment centers. Late afternoon bus and train service will return riders to their stations of origin.

The fare is $3.25 one-way, and includes the train ride and local ‘last-mile’ shuttle services. Please scan the QR code or click on the link to see detailed SFCC schedules and service information.

HAMPTON BAYS WATER DISTRICT

The Hampton Bays Water District has been diligently working on, and implementing, our current 10-year master plan. One of the projects to be completed in 2024 is the replacement of the water main in the Rampasture peninsula. This water main is one of the oldest mains in the District. The main has developed turbidity inside, causing flow issues for customers, and decreased fire flow. The plan is to replace the main with a new 12” one, tying the customers into the new supply, installing new hydrants, allowing for increased volume throughout, for adequate fire flow and residential use.

Second project on the agenda is the upgrade of our SCADA control system. SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition. This system controls the operation of the 11 district wide supply wells, allowing them to operate remotely. Within SCADA it allows us to see the current tanks levels, system pressures, and chemical residuals. The upgrade allows us to increase our cyber security to insure the safety and wellbeing of our customers, more accurate display of our system, and up to date state of the art controlling system.

While the projects are ongoing we will continue to ensure the quality of potable water throughout the distribution system. This has, and will always be our number one objective, while upgrading our infrastructure.

HAMPTON BAYS WATER DISTRICT

18B Ponquogue Ave, Hampton Bays Office: 631-728-0179

Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 3:30 pm