| August 31, 2026
Dear Quogue Residents,
We are entering the last week of the summer season, a bonus week in some ways as Labor Day is late this year. Of course, we are also now entering hurricane season. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to subscribe to the Town’s emergency alert system. If you wish to subscribe, click on the following link: Alerts & Notifications | Southampton, NY – Official Website
The Village is about to embark on our annual oil and stone road maintenance. A certain number of roads are resurfaced each year on a rotating basis. The first phase will begin right after Labor Day, with a smooth layer of asphalt being spread to fill in holes and cracks, and to level the streets. The second phase will take place the following week (weather permitting), when bluestone gravel will be laid down with a liquid oil emulsion (hence the name “oil and stone”). This needs to be done in the early fall when the weather is still warm enough for the gravel to bind properly.
In light of the late Labor Day weekend this year, we are extending weekend lifeguard coverage at the Village Beach through the weekend of September 19th-20th. Beach permits will be required that weekend. Please remember that all lockers must be emptied out that Sunday. After Labor Day, the beach concession will be open Thursday to Sunday through September 27th.
We have been receiving numerous complaints in the Village Office of dogs being taken to the beach, which is not permitted during the season. Owners have responded that they thought the prohibition was only during the daytime hours when lifeguards are on duty. The prohibition covers all times of day and night, as letting dogs run free on the beach creates a mess. We have also received complaints of dogs running around unleashed at the Village Dock. Pets must be controlled by their owners at all times throughout the Village.
The topic of historic preservation is front and center in the Village in light of the proposed demolition of 107 Jessup Avenue. The latest developments give hope that this historic site will be saved. The Trustees are considering what additional measures should be adopted to protect the historic homes in our Village. In January, the Trustees formally recognized the Quogue Historic District and instructed all Village Boards and Departments to take this into consideration when considering applications for renovation and, of course, demolition. We will be holding public hearings in the coming months to invite input from all interested parties.
This month’s safety topic returns to bicycles and e-bikes. Notwithstanding receiving repeated reminders about wearing helmets, residents of all ages continue to cruise around town without them. The Trustees have now proposed an amendment to the Village Code that would mandate helmets for all bicycle riders under the age of 18 (and recommend them for all cyclists). In addition, and consistent with NY State law, the Code will be amended to require that helmets be worn on electric assist bikes and scooters by riders of all ages. The new Code amendment also requires bikes to have lights and reflectors if ridden after dark. Here is a link to the proposed bicycle/e-bike code amendment: LINK
I have heard from many residents this summer about repeated Optimum internet outages throughout the Village. The typical pattern is a connection that drops for several minutes (or longer) at a time, several times a day, disrupting work, video calls, and streaming. After considerable persistence by several residents, Optimum’s Executive Customer Relations confirmed in writing on August 14 that there is a network outage affecting some homes in our area. They have provided no estimated time of repair, although we are told it could take weeks or months.
I have put in a formal complaint with the Village’s contacts at Optimum (Altice), but I have not yet received any meaningful response. The more complaints that are filed with the authorities, the more pressure will be applied on Optimum. If your household is experiencing these outages, please file a complaint with the FCC. It is free, takes about two minutes, and every complaint filed is individually served on Optimum with a required written response. Because Optimum is effectively the only broadband provider in Quogue, the FCC complaint process is the most effective tool residents have, and the volume of complaints on record is what establishes that this is a village-wide problem requiring a real repair commitment rather than a series of isolated service calls. To file a complaint, click here:
https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=38824
Fill in your contact information, select Optimum as the company, and describe your experience in your own words, including your address and roughly when the problems began. If you know your account number it is helpful to include it, but it is not required. Save the confirmation email you receive.
Finally, the Village was notified last week by Suffolk County Department of Public Works that Turkey Bridge connecting Quiogue to Westhampton Beach is going to be “rehabilitated,” and will be closed to pedestrian and vehicular traffic beginning Tuesday, September 8th. The anticipated project duration is approximately eighteen (18) months!
And now for some upcoming events:
On Saturday, September 5th, the Quogue Association is hosting the annual State of the Town talk at 10:00 am on the Village Green. Supervisor Maria Moore will give an update of current events and projects in the Town of Southampton and answer any questions you may have.
The Quogue Volunteer Fire Department is organizing a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of 9/11 at 6:30 pm on Friday, September 11th at the Fire House.
On Saturday evening, September 12th, at 7:30 pm, Quogue Chamber Music closes it 2026 season with a concert by the esteemed Calidore String Quartet at the Quogue Community Hall. The program will include works by Joseph Haydn, Caroline Shaw, and Franz Schubert. To purchase tickets, please visit www.QuogueChamberMusic.org.
The Library Gallery is currently exhibiting works by Marissa Bridge: In Pieces, with artworks made from paper, wood, stone and glass. The exhibit runs through September 24th. Their next exhibit will open on September 25th and will feature works by Leslie Bridgeman Cimei: Where Light Lands from Wetlands to Water’s Edge. The exhibit will be on display through November 12th, with an Opening Reception on Saturday, September 26th, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
On Wednesday, September 16th, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, the Library is hosting the Annual Harvest Tea with Margaret M. Johnson, author of fourteen cookbooks. Waldorf Chicken Salad, Pumpkin Tea Bread, Pear and Apricot Roulade, and a glass of Prosecco will be served. Registration is required.
The next session of this season’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions discussion program will be held on Saturday, September 19th at 5:00 pm on the topic of Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order.
As always, consult the Library’s well-packed calendar to sign up for the foregoing events and to learn more about their rich offering of programs of all types: Upcoming Events | Quogue Library
Wishing everyone a Happy Labor Day Weekend!
Robert Treuhold
Mayor, Village of Quogue |
