The Trustees have become increasingly concerned by the spread of bamboo and invasive plant species in the Village as they can have an adverse impact on the environment. Last week, the Village adopted a local law prohibiting new plantings of bamboo.  With respect to existing bamboo, the law imposes obligations on homeowners to take detailed measures to contain the plantings to ensure that they do not spread, including the installation of barriers, and to ensure that bamboo is located no closer than ten feet from any property line. The newly adopted law only addresses the planting of bamboo at this time, but authorizes the Trustees to prohibit and/or restrict the planting of other invasive species should they subsequently deem that appropriate. This is a link to the new law: Bamboo Local Law

July 23, 2026

Dear Quogue Residents,

Hoping that the summer is happy and healthy so far for you and yours!

Concern for all who are in the Village at the peak of the summer leads me to reiterate some critical safety reminders. Apologies for the repetitive nature of these comments (they are taken almost verbatim from my July 2025 letter), but it appears that many of the following admonitions continue to fall on deaf ears or, in any event, continue to be ignored.

Cyclists – Always ride with the traffic, respect all traffic signs, and wear helmets at all times; wear bright clothing and please consider installing bike lights.  Do not ride side by side. Dismount and walk your bikes when visiting the merchants on Jessup Avenue. Please exercise courtesy and do not block the sidewalks and driveways. There are bicycle racks on the Village Green side of Jessup.

Runners – Run facing the oncoming traffic, wear bright clothing, AND please wear a shirt, which is a requirement of our Village Code.  Do not run side by side.

Drivers – Respect the speed limit at all times! Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. Do not make U-turns on Jessup Avenue. This includes not making three-point turns using Village Lane (or backing out of Village Lane into Jessup), and not turning into a diagonal space in front of Schmidt’s when heading south.  If there is no parking spot available, consider parking in the Village lot by the firehouse or in the spots in front of the office on Village Lane. Exercise extreme caution when backing out of a space into oncoming traffic on Jessup. Finally, our Fire Department has asked me once again to remind you to yield to a vehicle if it is showing a flashing blue light. This means that a first responder is on their way to the firehouse or to an active fire or accident. They are in a hurry!

I am happy to report that the Village has joined with the villages of East Hampton, Sag Harbor, Sagaponack, and Southampton to take coordinated action to reduce unnecessary single-use plastic waste by encouraging restaurants, food establishments, and customers to “Skip the Stuff”. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Surfrider Foundation’s Eastern Long Island Chapter, and provides that disposable utensils, condiment packets, napkins, straws, and similar accessories are provided with food orders only when requested by customers. According to environmental experts, an estimated 12 million tons of plastic enter oceans every year, making efforts to reduce unnecessary single-use plastics increasingly important for protecting coastal ecosystems. Here is a link to a press release with more details: “Skip the Stuff”

Even though we have finally had some rain the past couple of weeks (especially and unfortunately on July 4th), Suffolk County Water Authority warns us that we are still experiencing drought conditions on the East End. They are encouraging us to restrict water use and even to forego watering our lawns, especially during daylight hours. As you know, Long Island sits above a sole source aquifer where all water is obtained for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes. During the spring and summer months, the aquifer becomes stressed as temperatures are higher and the need for irrigation is greater. To learn a few easy tricks to help conserve water (and save money), watch this short video HERE created by the Long Island Commission on Aquifer Protection. For information on drought conditions on Long Island, visit HERE. Learn even more about conserving Long Island’s water resources on the “Our Water Our Lives” website. Finally, for more water saving tips, visit the DEC’s Water Use and Conservation webpage HERE.

The Trustees have become increasingly concerned by the spread of bamboo and invasive plant species in the Village as they can have an adverse impact on the environment. Last week, the Village adopted a local law prohibiting new plantings of bamboo.  With respect to existing bamboo, the law imposes obligations on homeowners to take detailed measures to contain the plantings to ensure that they do not spread, including the installation of barriers, and to ensure that bamboo is located no closer than ten feet from any property line. The newly adopted law only addresses the planting of bamboo at this time, but authorizes the Trustees to prohibit and/or restrict the planting of other invasive species should they subsequently deem that appropriate. This is a link to the new law: Bamboo Local Law

I have heard from a number of residents this summer about the increase in jet noise at Gabreski airport. For years, Gabreski’s only runway that was fully covered for instrument landings was Runway 6/24, the long runway going east/west.  The second runway 15/33, heads northwest/southeast and is the one that impacts Quogue. As the 15/33 runway was not certified for instrument landings, it could only be used in good visual weather, which limited how often — and in what wind conditions — the airport could direct traffic to this runway. Starting last October, the FAA published new GPS-based instrument approach procedures for both ends of that runway. The runway 15 approach brings planes in from the northwest, over Wading River, Calverton, and farmland. The runway 33 approach brings planes in from the southeast, over the ocean — and directly over Quogue.

The new runway 33 approach brings planes in low over the ocean and over Quogue on their way to landing — this is an actual change in flight path, not a wind effect, and this is why people have noticed planes flying noticeably lower overhead than before.

Runway 33 is also intended to be the preferred runway for takeoffs when winds are out of the northwest. Departing aircraft climb out away from us but a jet at full takeoff power is loud, and with the wind blowing out of the northwest, that engine noise carries toward Quogue even though the plane itself is not directly overhead. Consequently, on a northwesterly wind day, we experience low arrivals directly over the village plus takeoff noise from the other end of the runway riding in on the wind — two different noise sources stacking on top of each other. We have had an unusual number of northwest wind days this summer, which is part of why this has felt so persistent.

There was also a short-term factor on top of that. Gabreski was the primary airport handling private jet traffic during the U.S. Open golf tournament. This was a real, if temporary, spike in activity that landed at the same time as some northwest winds and the new flight paths.

The instrument-equipping of 15/33 has been in the works for years and was originally targeted for 2023. I noted in my February 2025 resident letter, that an upgrade to the GPS navigation installation on the airport’s alternative runway would “unfortunately shift some air traffic towards Quogue”.

Village resident Stephen Farrell represents us on the Gabreski Airport Noise Mitigation Working Group, and he has been warning for some time that this change would bring more traffic our way. Noise complaints are increasing, but the largest number of complaints continues to come from Westhampton. Gabreski has adopted “voluntary” noise abatement procedures, but the Working Group has so far been unable to enforce these procedures.

The ultimate source of the problem is industry-favorable federal legislation dating from the early 90’s that prohibits localities from adopting noise restrictions (however rational) for airports that have accepted federal funding (which Gabreski Airport has). That legislation also effectively restricts the FAA from approving/adopting any such restrictions and limits the remedies that can be implemented when undue noise levels are established.

Here is what you can do about it. If you are experiencing overflights that seem excessive, please do file a noise complaint through the airport’s system — the more complaints on record with an address and time, the stronger the case we can make that this needs real attention. Noise complaint history can be found HERE. To submit a noise complaint click here: Gabreski Airport Noise Complaint

And now for some upcoming events:

This Friday, July 24th, at 6:00 pm, the Library is organizing a concert by the Kenari Saxophone Quartet under the outdoor tent. The concert is being presented jointly by the Library and Quogue Chamber Music. Tickets can be purchased online:  www.quoguechambermusic.org.

The Quogue Junior Theater Troupe’s Annual Benefit is this coming Saturday, July 25th, with a performance and reception beginning at 7:00 pm. They are gearing up for their summer program celebrating their 48th year, and will be producing Young Frankenstein on July 29th – 31st and August 1st for the Senior Troupe, and MOANA JR. on August 12th – 15th for their Junior Troupe members.  Details and tickets can be obtained at www.QJTT.org.

The Library Gallery is opening a new exhibit this weekend: Marissa Bridge: In Pieces, with artworks made from paper, wood, stone and glass. The exhibit runs through September 24th, with an Artist Talk and Reception on Saturday, August 1st, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The Library’s Summer Series of Authors in Conversation continues this Sunday, July 26th, at 5:00 pm with award winning author Christopher Beha returning to the Library to discuss his most recent book, Why I Am Not An Atheist: The Confessions of a Skeptical Believer, in conversation with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Nicholas Confessore.

On Thursday, August 6th, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, the Quogue Library is hosting an Author Talk by longtime Quogue resident Janet Sands, who will take us on A Journey to the American Southwest. The program draws from her book On A Mission: The Real Story of the California Missions, and from her upcoming book Collision of Cultures: A Traveler’s History of the Southwest.

The Summer Author Series continues on Sunday, August 9th, at 5:00 pm, with Aaron Tracy discussing his recent nonfiction narrative podcast, The Secret World of Roald Dahl, with award-winning author Genevieve Crane.

The Summer Author Series concludes on Sunday, August 16th, at 5:00 pm, with bestselling author Alexandra Andrews discussing her eagerly awaited second novel, The Fine Art of Lying, with Quogue resident Frances Beatty Adler.

The next session of this season’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions discussion program will be held at the Library on Saturday, August 22nd, at 5:00 pm, on the topic of Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation.  Participants can join by zoom or attend in person.

As always, please consult the Library’s well-packed calendar to sign up for their rich offering of movies and programs of all types: https://quogue.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

This summer’s “must attend” Open House at the Quogue Firehouse scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The annual Duck Race at the Village Dock will be on Saturday, August 8th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Further details about the Duck Race and how to buy ducks can be found through this link on their website at https://quogueassociation.org/.

The 60th Annual Art Show and Sale to benefit the Quogue Historical Society will be held on the Village Green on Saturday, August 8th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Please make time to visit the Quogue Historical Society’s Pond House Museum, which is currently exhibiting: HOUSE PROUD! Quogue’s Iconic Summer “Cottages” 1880-1910.  QHS Curator and Southampton Town Historian Julie Greene is hosting a Collections Show & Tell on the topic of Whaling! at the Pond House Museum on August 13th, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Please visit their website to learn more about our Village’s history and to support the QHS mission: www.quoguehistory.org.

Robert Treuhold

Mayor, Village of Quogue

The Quogue Association Village Beach Party scheduled for this coming Saturday, July 18, has been canceled as a result of the threat of thunderstorms.  The Quogue Association will be refunding those who have already purchased tickets.

Dear Quogue Residents,

Summer is officially here with the arrival of this past weekend’s Solstice. Last Saturday witnessed the inaugural Quogue Summer Solstice 5K Race/Walk. Some 200 Quogue residents and visitors ran and walked through our beautiful village raising funds in support of the Quogue Fire Department. A big shout out to Mindy Jaffe and Per Chilstrom, as well as to all of the volunteers and sponsors, for making this inaugural event such a success. Please mark your calendars for a repeat next year on June 19th.

Beginning this Saturday, June 27th, the Village Beach will be open seven days a week from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. The Beach Concession is also now open every day starting at 9:00 am. Zach Schmidt informs me that this summer he will be organizing dinners on the beach from time to time. The first dinner will be on Tuesday, July 7th at 6:00 pm with a Taco Buffet Night. Please stop by the Beach Concession for further details and to buy tickets.

I am pleased to report that the western stretch of Dune Road was repaved yesterday up to the Westhampton Beach Village line. The eastern stretch of Dune Road to the East Quogue border will be repaved in the fall. We all owe a big expression of thanks to the Village’s Highway Department for their tireless work in improving the drainage infrastructure along Dune Road.

Our police department has been increasing the enforcement of our speed limits throughout the Village, especially on Dune Road. They have been supplementing the coverage during the peak trade parade hours, which we hope will get the message out that speeding is not tolerated in Quogue. Unfortunately, we cannot do much to control the traffic volume.

A shout out is also due to the Westhampton Ambulance Volunteer Water Rescue Squad. They have now begun patrolling Dune Road in Quogue, Westhampton, Westhampton Beach, and Westhampton Dunes. Volunteers will be in the water rescue truck on Dune Road from 5:00 pm (when area lifeguards get off) until dark seven days a week through Labor Day. They will continue patrolling on weekends in September and October. Feel free to engage with members when you see them to learn more about the team and how you can support their important work.

The Village held its elections last Friday. Sally Beatty and Tom Mullen were reelected for a two-year term as Trustees, and I was reelected as Mayor for a two-year term.

A reminder the Village’s property tax bills are payable without penalty by July 1st.  Please note that New York State tax laws provide that payment of taxes on a timely basis is the responsibility of the property owner even if the tax bill has not been received.

With the arrival of the summer season, I have asked our police department and Code Enforcement Officer to increase their enforcement of the Village’s permitted hours of operation for contractors and landscapers.  As a reminder, they are only allowed to work between the hours of 7:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday through Friday, and between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm on Saturday, with no work permitted on Sundays. In addition to issuing warnings and/or summonses to the violators, I have asked that homeowners also be notified of any violations. As a courtesy to your neighbors, please be diligent in insuring that your workers respect these time restrictions.

And now for some upcoming events:

The annual Concert on the Village Green will be held this Saturday (tomorrow), June 27th, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Many of our local merchants and organizations will be on hand. The Quogue Association will be offering ice cream and libations to their members, and the Quogue Shop will be handing out “sweets and treats”.

The Quogue Historical Society’s Pond House Museum is opening this Saturday, June 27th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

This Sunday, June 28th, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, the Quogue Library is hosting an Author Talk by Michele Phillips: “Energize Your Happiness – Tap Into Your Personal Energy & Shape Your Destiny”.

The Library’s Fourth Annual Family Summer Kick-Off is Friday, July 3rd, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The event is a must for all in the Village, with live music by Souled Out, crafts, a magician, yoga, presentations too many to list, free ice cream, and a visit back in time with Schoolmistress Miss Lizabeth Griffing to a 19th Century School Day in Quogue’s Historic 1822 One-Room Schoolhouse.

The Library Gallery is currently exhibiting works by local painter and photographer Bill Tansey. The exhibit runs through July 23rd, with a Closing Reception on Saturday, July 11th, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The next session of this season’s Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions discussion program will be held at the Library on Saturday, July 18th, at 5:00 pm, on the topic of Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy.  Participants can join by zoom or attend in person.

The Library’s Summer Series of Authors in Conversation begins Sunday, July 19th, at 5:00 pm with Quogue resident Andrew Botsford in conversation with debut novelist Michelle Maryk, author of The Found Object Society.

On Wednesday, July 22nd at 5:00 pm, the Library is hosting a presentation of “American Pilgrims of Beauty: Living in Florence with the Shadows” by Dr. Giuliana Castellani Koch, a Quogue resident originally from Florence.

On Friday, July 24th, at 6:00 pm, the Library is organizing a concert by the Kenari Saxophone Quartet under the outdoor tent. The concert is being presented jointly by the Library and Quogue Chamber Music. Tickets can be purchased online:  www.quoguechambermusic.org.

As always, please consult the Library’s well-packed calendar to sign up for their rich offering of movies and programs of all types: https://quogue.librarycalendar.com/events/month.

The Westhampton Garden Club 2026 Gardens and Rooms Tour is scheduled for Friday, July 10th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The self-guided tour features spectacular gardens and rooms at six remarkable properties from Quogue to Eastport.

The Wildlife Refuge is celebrating their 18th Annual Wild Night for Wildlife Summer Gala on Saturday, July 11th beginning at 7:00 pm.

The annual Village Beach Party will be on Saturday, July 18th, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Please save the date for this summer’s “must attend” Open House at the Quogue Firehouse scheduled for Sunday, August 2nd, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The annual Duck Race at the Village Dock will be on Saturday, August 8th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The Quogue Historical Society’s Annual Art Show is also scheduled to be held on Saturday, August 8th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, on the Village Green.

The Quogue Junior Theater Troupe is gearing up for their summer program celebrating their 48th year. They will be producing Young Frankenstein on July 29th – 31st and August 1st for the Senior Troupe, and MOANA JR. on August 12th – 15th for their Junior Troupe members. Please also note that the QJTT Annual Benefit is slated for Saturday, July 25th, with a performance and reception beginning at 7:00 pm. Details and tickets can be obtained at QJTT.org.

Wishing everyone a Happy 250th July 4th Celebration!

Robert Treuhold

Mayor, Village of Quogue