Dear Quogue Residents,
I have had a few inquiries about the U.S. Census, and I will answer them as best I can. The census is driven by physical addresses. Aimee Buhl, our hard-working Village Clerk, spent many hours over the last couple of years working with the Census Bureau to verify physical addresses in Quogue. That does not mesh well with our PO Box-based postal system, unfortunately, and census forms were not delivered through the mail to residents. Nevertheless, some census forms have been delivered locally. I know we got one a few weeks ago from a census worker who drove into the driveway. Irrespective of whether you received your census paperwork, however, you can complete the on-line questionnaire available at https://my2020census.gov/login. If you don’t have your 12 digit Census ID, you can click below the boxes where the ID would be inserted where it says “If you do not have a Census ID, click here.” That should enable you to complete the questionnaire, I believe. Alternatively, the census canvassing period has been extended by three months to October 31. Although census workers are on the shelf right now because of the corona virus, they are scheduled to resume after June 1 and hopefully they will be fanning out in Quogue after that. Please make every effort to assure that you are counted.
Anyone who is entitled to unemployment benefits is probably aware that getting through to file a claim has been very difficult. Yesterday, the State introduced a new streamlined system. Here is the link: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/nys-department-labor-launches-new-streamlined-application-new-yorkers-apply-pandemic. If you still are having trouble, try Assemblyman Fred Thiele’s office (631-537-2583). He has offered to help constituents navigate through the system.
As you know, Governor Cuomo extended the NY PAUSE until May 15. Nevertheless, discussions are beginning on the means to open up, and a number of task forces have been formed. One very big issue is the beaches—whether or to what extent they will be open. I expect that this decision will be made on a regional basis, but it is a difficult decision and I cannot predict the outcome. More to follow.
If you want to follow the number of COVID-19 cases in the area here is a link to the Suffolk County website:
https://gis.suffolkcountyny.gov/portal/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/76a26a0c83634266aa9efc35bd4f1975. A check of the website this morning shows 6 confirmed cases in Quogue on a cumulative basis.
We have had offers from residents to help others who need it (e.g., buy groceries). If you need some help, please email the Village Office (contact@villageofquogueny.gov).
Please keep at least six feet apart from others, wear your mask when you are in public and stay safe.
Peter Sartorius, Mayor