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MONUMENTAL EFFORT TO SAVE DUNE ROAD FROM BRUTAL STORMS

The eastern portion of Dune Road has taken quite a beating by a number of storms in recent months. The Town of Southampton is now hoping the Army Corps will send a dredge to help rebuild the beach opposite the Shinnecock Commercial Fishing Dock. Suffolk County recently finished a dredging project that failed to hold up against several high tides when more than half the project of an additional 90,000 cubic yards of sand was washed away from more coastal erosion. Senator Charles Schumer inspected the beach and promised the dredge would be here soon, but it takes time for the proper approvals. Recent more drastic erosion had prompted an expedited deployment. A dredge could be here in February. In the meantime, a concerted effort by highway crews, county DPW and state DOT continue to help fight back the tide. Crews were thanked for a major effort in October with an appreciation breakfast at Oakland’s Restaurant.
“These men and women performed under extraordinary conditions and saved Dune Road from disaster,” said Supervisor Schneiderman. “The Commercial Fishing Dock and three restaurants, including Oakland’s, could have suffered serious damage had it not been for their quick action.”
“I want to thank all of the crews from the County, Town, and State who worked around the clock through the duration of the storm to help repair the dune along Dune Road,” said County Executive Bellone. “Because of their swift action and ability to mobilize the resources we needed, we were able to avert disaster and prevent a full breach.”

NEW PONQUOGUE PIERS MAKE BIG SPLASH WITH DIVERS AND FISHERMEN

Shinnecock Bay is viewed as one of the best diving and fishing areas on Long Island. Now access to the bay is easier from the newly renovated Ponquogue Piers. The Old Ponquogue Bridge fishing and diving piers were badly damaged from Super Storm Sandy in 2012 but following a $2 million dollar makeover, funded through FEMA grants, that took nearly 4 years to procure, the fishing piers jut out far into the bay for fishermen to easily drop a line and divers to travel into the underwater treasure trove of tropical fish that migrate during the summer months.“The restoration of the old Ponquogue Bridge into a modern fishing pier celebrates our history and provides a great recreational activity for anglers and divers,” said Supervisor Jay Schneiderman. The supervisor, a certified diver, joined others from the Long Island Divers Association for an underwater ribbon cutting — the first of its kind on Long Island. About 100 people also took part in the above-ground ribbon cutting on October 25th.

TOWN BOARD ADOPTS 2020 BUDGET

The Southampton Town Board approved the 2020 Budget at a Special Town Board meeting, November 20, 2019. The spending plan includes a 6% property tax rate reduction. It also maintains or improves the levels of municipal services, controls increases to what is contractually required, adjusts to decreases in anticipated revenues and commits to investments that

IT’S FASTER AND SOON WILL BE
CHEAPER TO TAKE THE TRAIN TO
WORK ON THE SOUTH FORK

The Southampton Town Board approved a $1 fare reduction on the South Fork Commuter Connection beginning January 13th, lowering the cost to $3.25 each way. The train connects to a shuttle bus to bring riders to and from work on the South Fork. The fare reduction is to encourage more ridership, though it has tripled in popularity since its inception last March. The South Fork Commuter Connection was created to help offer a travel alternative and to help alleviate traffic along Sunrise Highway, County Road 39 and Montauk Highway on the South Fork during both the morning and evening commutes.

TOWN BOARD MOVES FORWARD WITH COMMUNITY CHOICE ENERGY OPTIONS

The Town Board has appointed a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) administrator to evaluate a possible energy saving and cost reduction alternative to LIPA. The new administrator is Joule Assets, Inc. of Westchester, a New York State certified CCA administrator. Nearly 100 municipalities in New York State have adopted legislation and/or implemented CCA programs. By appointing an administrator, Southampton Town has taken a significant step toward implementing a CCA plan, but it could take several months before a plan could be developed. “We have built several safeguards into our contract with Joule to protect the consumers,” said Southampton Town Councilman John Bouvier, who spearheaded this effort. “The Town will not enter into a power purchase agreement that does not reduce costs to the consumer and provide access to renewable energy resources.”;

CHRISTINE SCALERA TAKES ON NEW ROLE IN THE TOWN ATTORNEYS OFFICE

Two-term Councilwoman Christine Scalera will be leaving the Town Board at the end of the year due to term limits but will remain with the Town her new role as Deputy Town Attorney. Before running for Town Council, Ms. Scalera worked as a Deputy Town Attorney in Southampton Town. Prior to that, she worked as Chief Deputy Town Attorney in Brookhaven Town. “We know how talented Christine is as an attorney and we want to keep her involved in protecting the Town of Southampton,” said Supervisor Jay Schneiderman. “She will be working closely with our Public Safety and Police Departments where she has great insight and experience. She will be a tremendous resource for the Town.”

SPOOKY CHARACTERS CONVERGE ON GOOD GROUND PARK FOR HALLOWEEN BASH

Hundreds attended the annual Halloween Costume Party at Good Ground Park in Hampton Bays on Saturday, October 26th. Kids were treated to a magician and other fun activities including pumpkin decorating. The temperatures that day felt more like summer than fall lending to a good turnout. Families participated in the Mark Sinclair Walk About on Main Street where they went trick or treating at merchants that had pumpkin decals on their windows. The little goblins then converged on the park for an afternoon of entertainment. Food trucks accommodated the crowd by serving kid-friendly lunch and snacks.

DICKENS CAROLERS AND GRINCH BRING THE HOLIDAYS TO LIFE AT GOOD GROUND PARK

The holiday spirit came to life at Good Ground Park in Hampton Bays Friday, December 6th as the Dickens Carolers performed for the annual tree-lighting and Menorah celebration. Cookies, donated by Krieg’s Bakery, and hot cocoa, donated by Hampton Coffee, warmed the hearts of young children who made ornaments at the direction of the Hampton Bays Library and took pictures with the Grinch.