Thank You
TOMMY JOHN SCHIAVONI, COUNCILPERSON
After seven years of service on the Southampton Town Board, Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni will conclude his second term a year early and be sworn-in as our new state Assemblyman. Since assuming office in 2018, he has played a pivotal role in enhancing public transportation, especially the creation of the South Fork Commuter Connection, and has been a strong advocate for the preservation of open space, as well as parcels of historic and cultural significance to the East End.
Councilman Schiavoni has also been instrumental in creating and implementing Housing and Community Development programs, especially focusing on affordable housing and the Town’s new Community Housing Fund.
Additionally, Councilman Schiavoni has served as the Town Board’s liaison to dozens of departments, committees, and communities. They have included the Town’s appointed land management boards, fire and ambulance services, as well as special projects. A former social studies teacher for more than three decades, the councilman has been particularly fond of working with the Youth Bureau’s “Youth and Government” program, assisting high school students with hands-on opportunities to learn about issues affecting citizens of New York State.
For his unwavering commitment to our community, we offer him our sincerest thanks and best wishes — in Albany and beyond.
Left to Right: Fred W. Thiele, Jr., Tommy John Schiavoni, William Pell IV, Michael A. Iasilli, Maria Z. Moore, Cyndi McNamara, Scott M. Horowitz, Richard T. Maran, Jr., Joseph R. McLoughlin, Matthew Parsons, Edward J. Warner, Jr., Anthony Palumbo
MUNICIPAL
COMMUNITY PROJECT 2024 UPDATE
Public Works Capital Projects is excited to share that several capital projects have been successfully completed in 2024. These improvements have significantly enhanced our community, creating a more enjoyable and safer environment for everyone.
• SAG HARBOR
Round Pond Stormwater Mitigation Project and Wetlands Restoration
• HAMPTON BAYS
Red Creek Park Post-Tensioned Pickleball and Tennis Courts
• RIVERSIDE
Maritime Trail Park (Phase 1)
• HAMPTON BAYS
20 Shinnecock Rd., (Bel-Aire Cove Motel)
• WESTHAMPTON
Police Department Impound Lot Fence Replacement
• HAMPTON BAYS
Red Creek Park Basketball Court Replacement
• BRIDGEHAMPTON
Community House Emergency Exit Stairway Replacement
• HAMPTON BAYS
Red Creek Park West Softball Field
Synthetic Turf Infield Installation
POLICE HEADQUARTERS
In August, the Southampton Town Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony at police headquarters to honor the promotion of then Sgt. Carl Schottenhamel to the rank of Lieutenant, as well as the hiring of full-time Police Officers Brandon Jensen and Luis Muralles. Additionally, the Town welcomed five new full-time Police Officers: Matthew Meyer, Joshua Karl, Celeste Ceballos, Sean Murphy, and Christopher Smith. We extend our best wishes for success and safety to each of them as they begin their professional journeys.
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT HAMPTON BAYS
In early Fall of this year, the Bel-Aire Cove Motel, situated at 20 Shinnecock Road on a 1.3acre waterfront property, was demolished following a prolonged history of grievances from the residents of Hampton Bays. Once a favored destination in the 1950s, the motel had transformed into an unofficial apartment complex, leading to various issues such as overcrowding, malfunctioning smoke detectors, septic system failures, pest infestations, and electrical safety hazards. The Town is currently working to turn the area into a public park, featuring a kayak launch and access to Penny Pond. Additionally, the Southampton Town Trustees possess an adjacent lot that borders the pond.
HONOR FLIGHT LONG ISLAND
Councilmember Michael Iasilli joined Honor Flight Long Island. On October 5th, as a guardian for Navy Veteran Robert Horowitz of Manorville. Councilmember Iasilli accompanied local Veterans and gained valuable insights into the experiences of Mr. Horowitz who served during Vietnam, the Berlin Crisis, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Councilmember Iasilli stated “I had the privilege of joining Honor Flight Long Island over the weekend for an inspiring journey in Washington DC, where we honored the selflessness and courage of our Veterans, from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond.” Seen pictured (from L-R): Robert Horowitz, Brigadier General Sarah K. Albrycht: Provost Marshal General of the US Army, Councilmember Iasilli.
A special thanks to the Honor Flight Long Island Board, President Bill Jones, and the Town’s Community Organization Leader Jamie Bowden for orchestrating such a meaningful day, and fostering unity and gratitude among all.
HOMETOWN HEROES MILITARY BANNERS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR 2025
In honor of Veterans Day, Southampton Town Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara announced the launch of the 2025 “Hometown Heroes Banner Program.” The initiative, spearheaded in 2023 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. In an effort to expand the program, new this year, either banner sponsors OR honorees must live or have lived in the Town of Southampton. Councilwoman McNamara would also like to include other locations throughout the Town to display the banners, including the East Quogue Village Green and Southampton Town Hall. 2025 Banner applications will be accepted beginning Monday November 18th on a first-come, first-served basis, with one banner per sponsor. To qualify, honorees or sponsors must be a former or current resident of the Town of Southampton, and honorees 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. For more information about the “Hometown Heroes Banner Program” contact Jamie Bowden at hometownhero@southamptontownny.gov
HISTORY MADE ON OCTOBER 1ST FOR SHINNECOCK HERITAGE DAY
On October 1st, the Town of Southampton held a historic event, “Shinnecock Heritage Day” in conjunction with the Shinnecock Nation. More than 70 people were in attendance, as the Town sought to officially acknowledge the Shinnecock Nation’s Federal Recognition, obtained on October 1st 2010.
Local leaders from the region were present, including Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Quogue Village Mayor Bob Truhold, among others. The event began with a drum circle and introductory comments from Supervisor Maria Moore, Councilmember Michael Iasilli, Shinnecock Chairwoman Lisa Goree, and County Executive Romaine.
Attendees also shared a dinner of traditional food prepared by Native Soul, and thereafter sat for a panel discussion among Marguerite Smith, Esq., Gloria Smith, Chairwoman Goree, Vice Chairman Lance Gumbs, former Chairperson Bryan Polite, and former Trustee and wampum artist Gordell Wright. Tribal Trustee Bianca Collins opened the panel and moderated the discussion, which explored the complex history of the Shinnecock Nation, how members grapple with identity, and addressed misconceptions as a majority-minority community. The discussion also examined how sovereignty is defined by the federal government and its implications, broadly for the self-determination of the Nation.
During comments, Supervisor Moore stated, “To have a greater understanding of our friends and neighbors is to understand history. There is a history that spans our own lifetime, and that of our parents and grandparents, and that extending back to time immemorial… The full richness of the Shinnecock Nation’s history should be embraced, and gatherings like that of today provide the opportunity for many to gain a greater appreciation of those traditions.”
Councilmember Iasilli said, “This is a historic day, and it’s been a long time coming. After 32 painstaking years, the tribe fought to have its history recognized and enshrined. On October 1st, 2010, the federal government under then-president Barack Obama, officially recognized the Shinnecock Nation as the 565th tribe of the United States. And here we are, 14 years later, we as a town are finally honoring this day and celebrating it with you, the Shinnecock people.”
County Executive Romaine also made comments on the need to respect the Shinnecock Nation’s past, present, and future, noting “The Shinnecock Nation continues to play an integral role on Long Island. Today’s recognition from the Town of Southampton represents leadership on moving towards a better future.”
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
In January, 2024, the Town Board established the Community Housing Fund Project Plan. Included in the Plan are programs that will address the affordable housing needs of the Town that can be funded through the Community Housing Fund, the dedicated housing fund created in 2022 and put into effect one year ago. The CHF fund draws revenues from a half-percent tax on most local real estate sales.
For further inquiries regarding any of our housing and community development programs, please visit our website at www.southamptontownny.gov/housing,or contact our office at 631-702-1745.
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Town will begin offering first-time home buyers with down payment assistance of up to 3% of a home’s purchase price to eligible home buyers who live or who are employed in the Town. The First-Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program aims to support local residents or employees achieve their dream of homeownership in the Hamptons by providing crucial financial assistance for down payments. The program is designed to alleviate the financial burden that often prevents first-time buyers from entering the housing market. By offering substantial down payment support at 0% interest, the Town of Southampton hopes to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for local and working people who have been priced out of the Hamptons real estate market.
KEY FEATURES OF THE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER DOWN PAYMENT PROGRAM:
1. TOTAL INITIAL FUNDING ALLOCATED TO THE PROGRAM: $1.25 Million Dollars
2. ELIGIBILITY: First-Time Home Buyers who live or work in the Town; whose income does not exceed 100% of SONYMA limits (currently, $184,680 for up to 2 persons and $215,460 for 3+ persons) and the price of the home cannot exceed 150% of the SONYMA purchase price limits (currently, $1,665,600); Borrowers must occupy the home as their primary residence.
3. ASSISTANCE: Up to 3% of the purchase price of the home at 0% interest, only due to be re-paid upon the sale or refinance of the home and may be combined with New York State Mortgage Agency loans of up to $15,000.
The First-Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program helps ensure that the Town of Southampton remains an inclusive and welcoming community for all. The Town worked to develop this program ensuring it meets the needs of local residents and employees as the cost of housing continues to rise.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT PROGRAM
The second program is a no-interest construction loan for local homeowners who want to add an affordable accessory dwelling unit to their home in order to house a member of the Town’s workforce.
The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program provides two benefits: First, existing homeowners will have the ability to construct an accessory dwelling unit on their property that will help generate extra income helping them to afford rising expenses and allowing them to maintain their current residence within the Town. Second, ADUs provide an affordable housing option for the Town’s workforce so that they can live in the Town where they work.
KEY FEATURES OF THE ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT PROGRAM:
1. TOTAL INITIAL FUNDING ALLOCATED TO THE PROGRAM: $1.25 Million Dollars
2. ELIGIBILITY: Borrowers must own the property and reside at the property as their primary residence; Tenant income must be 130% AMI or less; at least one tenant must work full-time at a business located within the Town of Southampton; rent charged may not exceed the afford ability guidelines set by the Town.
3. ASSISTANCE: Up to $125,000; 20-year loan, 0% interest; payments begin in year two.
WORK FORCE HOUSING PROJECT
In another effort to provide housing for the Town’s workforce, the Town Board recently approved a workforce housing covenant on a six-unit apartment building located in Sag Harbor purchased with Community Housing Funds. The covenant will require that the apartments be permanently kept at affordable rents for income eligible people who work within the Town.
As of July, 2024, the CHF Fund has accumulated $16,890,743.24. The CHF fund is on track to support the creation of approximately 72 affordable units. This accomplishment of supporting more than 72 affordable units - in just one year - is making a real difference in providing affordable housing to our community.
SIGN UP FOR NOTIFYME
Stay updated on the latest housing program news from the Town of Southampton by subscribing to the NotifyMe Housing email list. Our NotifyMe Center enables residents to receive email alerts from various departments, including emergency notifications. For more information, visit www.southamptontownny.gov/notifyme.
PARKS DEPARTMENT
A SUMMER TO REMEMBER!
This past beach season our Town of Southampton lifeguards spent a lot of time educating the public on water safety at the beaches in the midst of a large number of red flag days with rough surf conditions and frequent rip currents. They performed 144 saves which could have been muc h higher if it had not been for their amazing preventative public outreach efforts and vigilance including their leadership in running the Junior Lifeguard, Nipper Guard, and Cadet programs. Lifeguards taught 166 youth ages 7-16 water safety, swimming skills, rescue skills and other lifeguard responsibilities. They finished the 5 week program with a friendly east vs. west competition at Ponquogue Beach where they battled it out in the same events that our lifeguards compete in at the USLA National Competition.
1,746 registrants participated in 32 Summer Recreation Programs including swimming, surfing, sailing, Jr. Lifeguarding, fitness classes, pickleball lessons, and a variety of camps. 41,717 beach parking permits were sold.
As pickleball play continues to rapidly increase for people of all ages, the Town has been working diligently to meet the demands. Eight new post tensioned concrete courts opened at Red Creek Park in July along with three new tennis courts, and two basketball courts. At North Sea Community Park a fifth pickleball court was added, along with a new playground and additional sidewalks. The playground includes an ADA accessible carousel with level transition from safety tiles for wheelchair access, a play structure and “wobbly” balance beam, and sensory dome equipment with climbing ropes as well as inclusive sensory features for children with disabilities. It can accommodate up to 50 kids at one time!
FALL IS IN THE AIR!
The Parks & Recreation Department held a Fall Family Fun Night in Good Ground Park in Hampton Bays on October 18 featuring pumpkin decorating, contests, lawn games, food trucks, and the movie Hocus Pocus, sponsored by the Hampton Bays Library. The Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce donated prizes for the pumpkin carving contest winners: Emma Ortega, Gabriella Pach and Jessica Smith in the Scariest category, and Ariana Amrijos and Theresa (last name declined) for the Funniest.
A project to turf the west ballfield at Red Creek Park was completed and opened for play on October 21. The project included installing an artificial turf system in place of a clay and dirt field, new fencing, and paved sidewalks, dugouts and spectator areas. Get your skates and hockey sticks ready because the deck hockey rink at the facility is also in the process of a major renovation! The surface will be repaired and a new sport tile system is slated to be installed by the end of November.
People in the U.S. are aging better and living longer. Older adults are one of the fastest growing groups in the country. Senior Services is happy to offer programming that will promote health, well-being, socialization and FUN!
Starting in November, the Senior Services Department is excited to introduce some fresh programming for our senior community members! We will be launching two new town-wide programs beginning in November.
The first program is Water Aerobics, taking place at the Suffolk County Community College Health & Wellness Center in Riverhead. This fun and low-impact exercise is perfect for seniors, providing a full-body workout while being gentle on the joints.
Our second program, “Tuesdays Together with Chef Keith,” will be hosted at the Flanders Senior Center. Chef Keith will guide participants through simple meal preparation, allowing everyone to join in and enjoy a tasty meal together at the end.
For more details or to sign up, please reach out to Heather at 631-537-3027.
Learn more at about our town-wide Senior Services at WWW.SOUTHAMPTONTOWNNY.GOV/SENIORSERVICES
YOUTH BUREAU HAS EXPANDED ITS AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
This fall, the Youth Bureau has expanded its after-school program for students in Phillips Ave School in the communities of Riverside, Flanders, and Northampton. Now running fivedays a week, this program offers not only enrichment but also healthy meals, making each day both fun and fulfilling. From whipping up tasty treats in cooking class to mastering chess strategies, diving into STEM projects, and enjoying reading and recreation, there’s something for everyone.
For our teens, the Bureau’s community service programs are in full swing with even more participants this year! Whether it’s stepping up as leaders in Youth Court, voicing opinions in Teen Views on the News, or shaping the future in Youth Advisory Committee and Youth and Government, these opportunities allow teens to build leadership skills, make a real impact, and have their voices heard in the community.
Some of the most exciting events of the year at the Youth Bureau are coming up! Extreme Rec Day, Open Mic Nights, and the electrifying Lights Out Glow Night are just around the corner. Mark your calendars and get ready for nonstop fun!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2024 YOUTH BUREAU INTERNS
Legislator Ann Welker joined Councilmember Michael Iasilli to congratulate this year’s Youth Bureau interns who participated in learning about various Town operations. Some of the interns helped in our Town Attorney’s Office, Housing and Community Services department, and the Justice Court, among other important agencies of the Town.
The students shared knowledge they gained throughout their experiences. Legislator Welker awarded a Certificate of Merit to each of the graduates to demonstrate the County’s appreciation for their service to the Town.
Councilmember Iasilli commented, “A special thanks to Tracy Kolsin and Peter Strecker for their efforts in helping provide opportunities for our youth to learn about local government and see how we help to serve the community on a daily basis.”
POLICE CIVILIAN ACADEMY
SAFETY IS EVERYBODY’S JOB!
The Employee Safety Division is excited to announce that the Town of Southampton was selected among over 350 public entities throughout New York State to receive the Comp Alliance Safe Workplace Award. This monetary award is given to the safest workplaces in New York State who have had a positive loss experience.
The Southampton Town Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2025 Civilian Police Academy, which kicks off in January. This program offers community members a chance to get specialized training right at the police headquarters. It’s a great way to enhance communication and strengthen the bond between the police and the community.
TOPICS OF INSTRUCTION INCLUDE: Laws of arrest, search and seizure, use of force, driving while intoxicated, narcotics enforcement, domestic violence, investigations and crime scenes, gangs, internal investigations, as well as other topics.
Additionally, students will have an opportunity to ride along with Police Officers from the department while on patrol as well as experience the police firearms range & Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC).
The Academy starts in January and will run for 16 weeks on consecutive Thursdays, from 6pm-9pm.
To apply please contact PO Anthony Vecchio via email at avecchio@southamptontownny.gov or call 631-702-2228, or scan the above QR Code to download an application. WWW.SOUTHAMPTONTOWNNYPOLICE.GOV/1510/CIVILIAN-ACADEMY
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
Southampton Town’s Highway Department has been diligently addressing the many needs of the community. Several projects throughout the Town are nearing completion, including: widening Shinnecock Road to create a multi-use lane, enhancing pedestrian safety; new sidewalks installed on Lighthouse Road to facilitate safe passage to Ponquogue Bridge; a right turn lane constructed at the intersection of Lower 7 Pond and Head of Ponds Roads in Water Mill; and a sidewalk added in front of the Remsenburg Post Office and Remsenburg Academy to enhance safety in the area. The Highway Department is also diligently focused on clearing overgrown drainage easements and replacing damaged drainpipes.
In 2024 the Safety division at Southampton Town emphasized the importance of proactively keeping the workplace and workforce at less risk by implementing more awareness, providing more personal protective equipment and implementing proven safety measures. They are focused on reducing accidents and injuries by education and training.
Safety is everybody’s job, and in 2024 every employee’s cooperation improved the safety climate and performance to merit this award!
REMSENBURG
HAMPTON BAYS
WATER MILL
DEPARTMENT OF LAND MANAGEMENT
SOUTHAMPTON TOWN HOSTED DISABILITY SERVICES RESOURCE FAIR
The Southampton Town Disability Task Force (DATF) and the Southampton Union Free School District hosted a free Disability Services Resource Fair on Saturday, November 2nd at the Hampton Bays Senior Center. Attendees were welcomed to learn about community resources, how to connect with service providers, advocates, and support groups. There were activities for kids throughout the day overseen by the Southampton Town Youth Bureau And Youth Advisory Committee, including a “You Belong” art project, and presentations by Self-Initiated Living Options, Inc. and Parent To Parent Of NYS. Representatives from state and local community organizations were on hand to answer questions and share information about services and resources for those with disabilities. Councilmember Michael Iasilli, who is the DATF liaison stated, “This event has been an important step in connecting residents who are in need of appropriate services. It’s also to demonstrate to families and individuals with special needs, that your local government is here for you.”
For more information about Disability Services and Resources or the Southampton Town DATF, please contact Jamie Bowden, Community Organization Specialist at 631-702-2423 or jbowden@southamptontownny.gov.
New York State’s Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has awarded the Town of Southampton a $200,000 grant towards the installation of solar panels on the Town Hall roof.
This, plus other efforts toward building efficiency upgrades for our facilities, installing charging stations and adding electric vehicles to our fleet, has led to a 4-star designation in their Clean Energy Communities (CEC) program.
Established in August 2016, this program strives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and assist local governments with providing clean energy solutions for their community. The Town Board has embraced the high impact actions to further advance our sustainability goals.
In regard to The North Sea Landfill Community Solar Project, the Town is thrilled to announce that we have achieved a full roster of residents/businesses who have signed up to participate in this initiative and receive energy bill credits.
With the project’s expected completion by the first quarter of 2025, the Town is well on its way towards achieving even higher marks and additional grant money from the CEC program.
