August 18, 2023

Dear Quogue Residents,

We have certainly been blessed with a lot of rain the past couple of weeks.  Looking at the bright side, I have received fewer dire warnings from the SCWA about drought conditions in Suffolk County.  On a less positive note, many of our residents have had to deal with flooded streets.  While this is not exactly a new problem, we are always looking for ways to accelerate the dissipation of flood waters through improving drainage and, where appropriate, raising roadways.  Given the high water table in many areas of the Village, certain roads are extremely challenging, especially at high tide.

The Town of Southampton organized an informational meeting last weekend with an update on the FIMP beach renourishment project.  As I have previously reported, the Town is currently undertaking surveys of all of the beachfront properties in the project area.  For Quogue, this represents 47 properties running from just east of the Post Lane bridge (now reopened in case you missed the news) to the border with East Quogue.  The Town expects to have completed the survey work by the end of September, at which point the appraisers will do their calculations to prepare offers to the homeowners in order to obtain the required easements.  This work is expected to be completed by January.  If all the easements can be obtained by May, there is still a reasonable chance for the project to take place in the fall/winter of 2024/2025.  If the paperwork is not in place by then, it looks like the project will be delayed another year until the winter of 2025/2026.  Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions.

As in prior years, the Village is about to perform the annual “beach scraping” exercise to reinforce the dunes on the eastern stretch of Quogue. In the fall, beachfront homeowners will be contacted about installing new beach fencing where necessary.

An area of increasing concern is the growing use of electric bicycles in the Village.  While I applaud the use of bicycles as a general matter, e-bikes can be quite dangerous given their speed.  They are regulated by NY State and are not authorized to be used by children under the age of 16.  Helmets are required for 16 and 17 year-olds, and frankly should be worn at all times.  E-bikes are only allowed on streets with speed limits no greater than 30 mph, meaning that they should not be used on Montauk Highway or Route 104.  On the subject of helmets, they are meant to be worn – not carried in a basket or strapped to the handlebars.  Parents, please educate your kids!

The Village is about to embark on our annual oil and stone maintenance.  For many years, the Village has had an annual budget to maintain a certain number of roads each year on a rotating basis.  The first phase should 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 blue stone 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.  After a few days, our Highway Department will then sweep up the remaining loose stones.

On an environmental note, last week Nancy and I attended a fundraiser at the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Marine Environmental Learning Center in Southold.  The event highlighted two important local initiatives: “Choose Local F.I.S.H.” (Fresh, Indigenous, Sustainable, Healthy) to encourage all to discover the variety of local fish choices Long Island has to offer.  The event was also sponsored by Slow Food East End, the local chapter of Slow Food USA and part of a global, grassroots organization founded in 1989 in Italy to prevent the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions, counteract the rise of “fast life”, and to combat people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, and how our food choices affect the world around us.  I encourage you to visit their websites to learn more about these great organizations:  www.slowfoodeastend.org and www.localfish.org.  The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Suffolk County is a non-profit community educational agency with the overriding mission of making Suffolk County a desirable place to live and work by preserving the county’s vast heritage, protecting our eco-systems, supporting families, and providing youth with opportunities for community service and research-based education in science, technology, engineering and math.  You can learn more by visiting www.ccesuffolk.org.

And now for a few upcoming events:

The Quogue Association has two upcoming events: its Annual Village Beach Party takes place this evening at the Village Beach from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  And on September 9^th, at 10:00 am, Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman will be delivering his annual State of the Town Address on the Village Green.  In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the Village Hall. https://quogueassociation.org

The Quogue Junior Theater Troupe is concluding its 45^th season, presenting Annie Jr. from August 22^nd – 25^th.  You can purchase tickets at www.qjtt.org.

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge is hosting their end of summer party next Friday, August 25^th, from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.  While the party is primarily for the kids who attended the Summer Ecology Program and their families, all are welcome to join the fun. Their next full moon night hike is slated for August 29^th, from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Please register at www.quoguewildliferefuge.org.

The final installment of the Library’s Quogue Authors in Conversation series will be on Sunday, August 27^th, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with Genevieve Crane in conversation with Paul Harding, who is the author of This Other Eden, followed by a Q&A, book sale and signing, and wine and cheese ($10 per person). The Art Gallery at the Library is continuing the exhibition of Bess Ratliff’s series of pastel works through August 29^th.  Katama Eastman Photography follows with black and white photographs on display from August 31^st to October 4^th, with an Artist’s Reception on Thursday, August 31^st, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. On Wednesday, September 6^th, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Lee McAllister, author of Hiking Long island: A Comprehensive Guide to Parks and Trails, will be leading a visual presentation and discussion on Long Island’s natural beauty. The next Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions discussion program is scheduled for Saturday, September 9^th, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, on the topic of Global Famine.  As always, consult the Library’s well-packed calendar to sign up for their rich offering of movies and programs of all types: https://www.quoguelibrary.org/

On Saturday, September 9^th, at 7:30 pm, Quogue Chamber Music presents the Balourdet String Quartet at the Quogue Community Hall, with a program including works by Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Hugo Wolf.  Tickets can be purchased at www.quoguechambermusic.org.

The second of the Quogue Historical Society’s Walking Tours: Preserving Quogue’s History in Headstones at the Quogue Cemetery is scheduled for Sunday, September 10^th.  Space is limited so please reserve in advance: www.quoguehistory.org

Labor Day is around the corner so enjoy these last days of the summer season, especially now that you can get to the beach without a detour!

Robert Treuhold

Mayor

August 17, 2023

Dear Quogue Residents,

With a sigh of relief, I am thrilled to report that the Post Lane bridge was reopened yesterday afternoon!   If the bridge had not reopened in time for the weekend, I was seriously considering leaving town.

I have expressed the Village’s appreciation to the Suffolk County DPW, and the primary contractors Hinck Electric and H&L Contracting, for working around the clock to complete the emergency repairs so quickly.

Please remember the Quogue Association’s Annual Village Beach Party is tomorrow evening beginning at 6:00 pm.  You can buy tickets at: https://quogueassociation.org/

Robert Treuhold

Mayor

July 28, 2023

Dear Quogue Residents,

I have received further details concerning the emergency repair work that needs to be done on the Quogue Bridge.  While I had very much hoped that this could be delayed until the fall, the Suffolk County DPW has now informed us that the repairs will begin on Tuesday, August 15^th, and they anticipate the bridge being out of service for three days.

The Quogue Bridge was built in 1938 and is the oldest moveable bridge maintained by Suffolk County. The bridge is a “double-leaf bascule” bridge with the original mechanical equipment. This is a fancy name for a drawbridge.  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bascule_bridge) Certain electrical components were updated during the most recent rehabilitation about seven years ago, but the old equipment continues to be problematic given the original design of the bridge.

Currently, the steel angles that are holding counterweight blocks in place under the north bascule leaf have been pushed out to the point where they rub on the steel beams above when the bridge opens and closes. This leads to the bridge motors experiencing resistance to the point where the electrical system causes the motors to stop working until the system can be reset and the beams can finish their movement. The County authorities explain that this problem will only get worse as the summer heat sets in, which could cause the bridge to become inoperable both to vehicle and marine traffic.  In other words, if they do not perform the emergency repairs now, there could be a catastrophic failure that could lead to a much longer closure (think weeks or possibly months).

The current proposed solution is to support the counterweight blocks while the bridge is in the open position (or remove them temporarily) and install new steel angles in a position that will eliminate the rubbing. Unfortunately, this work can only be done with a complete road closure and a detour to traffic while the bridge remains open for the duration of the repair. The contractor estimates that the work will take a minimum of three shifts to complete, including working around the clock through Tuesday night, and the County anticipates a three-day closure to vehicular traffic as the bridge remains in the open position. This work will be done between Tuesday and Thursday when traffic is lightest.  If the work can be completed in three shifts, there is a possibility that the bridge would be reopened after two days.

The County plans to post numerous signs alerting drivers of the closure.  Our police and fire departments will of course be coordinating with Westhampton Beach to arrange for mutual assistance to ensure rapid response to any emergencies that might arise.  Let’s all keep our fingers crossed that the repairs can be accomplished quickly and the disruption to the Village kept to a minimum.

We know that this is going to be a huge distraction and inconvenience for all residents during our “high season”, especially all who live on Dune Road.

Robert Treuhold

Mayor

July 17, 2023

Dear Quogue Residents,

Today is the 27^th day of summer, which leaves us with 65 more days until fall – but who’s counting.

I wrote my first mayoral missive around a year ago and highlighted the unexpected (and unwelcome) visitation of a juvenile great white shark to the Village’s beaches.  Unfortunately, July has once again brought a bevy of shark sightings and a handful of actual shark bites.  I had hoped to put the references to Amity Island and Jaws behind us, but it would appear that having sharks in our waters has become the new normal.   While sharks have always been present, they now appear to be closer to shore because of the abundance of baitfish in the warmer shallow waters.  The Village Beach lifeguards are well-trained and are in regular contact with all of the lifeguards at the other local beaches to maintain a heightened vigilance.  We have also been coordinating with the Town of Southampton who are exploring the possibility of rolling out drones.  One complicating factor is that Quogue is technically a “no-fly zone” as a result of our proximity to Gabreski airport.  In any event, please use common sense and always follow the lifeguards’ instructions; avoid swimming in areas with schools of fish, splashing fish, and diving seabirds; and avoid swimming at dusk, night and dawn.

On the topic of safety, it is once again time to remind everyone in the Village to exercise caution when walking, running and biking on our streets.  The protocol is to walk and run against the traffic and cycle with the traffic.  Please stay close to the edge of the road and do not walk/run/ride multiple people abreast.  Please also remind your guests and children of these common-sense rules of the road. I am constantly amazed when I see residents running or walking down the middle of the street.  The old adage of “sharing the road” applies both to drivers and to pedestrians/cyclists.

You will have noticed that additional road work was recently performed by the Suffolk County Department of Public Works (SCDPW) at the intersection of Quogue Street and Montauk Highway.  A new guardrail was installed with the intent of tightening the intersection and improving visibility.  The work is not yet complete and further paving and marking will be accomplished in the coming days/weeks to create a safer and wider bike and pedestrian path along the south side of the highway.  I have been in regular contact with the SCDPW expressing the Village’s concerns about the current situation and they have agreed to address this in the near future.

On the subject of road work, SCDPW just informed me on Friday that they need to perform emergency repair work on the Post Lane bridge.  While I do not have all the details, apparently the counterweights on the north side of the bridge are now chafing against the girders supporting the span when the bridge is opened and closed.  The repair work has become urgent and will take the bridge out of commission for two or three days.  I have asked that the work be deferred until after Labor Day, but the County fears they may have to accelerate the repairs to early August to avoid further damage.  I will of course provide further details as soon as I have them.  The County understands how disruptive this will be for everyone and has committed to working around the clock to minimize the time that the bridge will be out of commission.

On a more positive note, our Village Dock will soon be hosting a second “Flupsy” oyster nurturing system.  A Flupsy is a “floating upwelling system” that houses hundreds of thousands of baby oysters (spats) that are then seeded throughout our bays to help clean the water.  A mature oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day.  The agreement with the Moriches Bay Project (www.morichesbayproject.org) to add the second Flupsy has been made with the understanding that all of the oysters from the new one will be seeded in Quantuck Bay.

And now for a few upcoming events:

Fresh off their successful Summer Kick-Off on July 8^th, the Library continues to host a plethora of activities.  A few notable events include a discussion of the works of Donatello this Thursday, July 20^th from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm presented by Quogue resident Giuliana Castellani Koch, PhD.  The next Quogue Authors in Conversation talk will be on Sunday, August 6^th from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm with Marin G. McGuinn, presenting his book, From Swampoodle to Mellon Bank CEO: An Irish-American’s Journey, in a conversation with Quogue’s own Andrew Botsford. The following Sunday, August 13^th, also at 5:00 pm, former Mayor Peter Sartorius will be in conversation with Admiral Philip Dur, USN Retired, author of Between Land and Sea: A Cold Warrior’s Log, recounting his 30-year experience in the US Navy. The Banjo Rascals will perform in an outdoor concert on Friday, August 4^th at 7:00 pm. The next Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions discussion program is scheduled for July 22^nd from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the topic of China and the US.  Another Great Decision program is slated for Saturday, August 5^th at the same time on the topic of Economic Warfare.  Participants can join by zoom or attend in person.  As always, 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 Quogue Association’s annual Duck Race will take place on Friday, July 28^th, starting at 4:00 pm at the Quogue Bridge with festivities at the finish line at the Village Dock. Please remember to buy your ducks! Their annual Village Beach Party will be on Friday, August 18^th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. https://quogueassociation.org/

The Quogue Historical Society is organizing two Walking Tours: Preserving Quogue’s History in Headstones at the Quogue Cemetery.  The first is scheduled for Sunday, July 30^th, at 3:00 pm, with the second scheduled for Sunday, September 10^th.  Space is limited so please reserve in advance. The QHS annual art show will be held on the Village Green on Saturday, August 12^th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  QHS will also be hosting an Art Talk Benefit and Cocktails also on the Village Green on Friday, August 11^th from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm.  Tickets can be purchased through the QHS website: www.quoguehistory.org

The Quogue Wildlife Refuge’s next full moon night hike is slated for August 1^st from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Please register at www.quoguewildliferefuge.org.

The Quogue Junior Theater Troupe is celebrating its 45^th season, and they will be presenting Into the Woods from August 1^st – 4^th, and Annie Jr. from August 22^nd – 25^th.  The annual QJTT Annual Benefit is being held on Friday, July 28^th. You can purchase tickets at www.qjtt.org.

Our Police Department will be hosting a “Coffee with a Cop” event on the Village Green on Saturday, August 5^th, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Please stop by for an opportunity to meet with members of our police force.

The next day, Sunday, August 6^th, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, is the Fire Department’s annual Open House.  Please come one and all to support our volunteers and have fun while learning about fire safety!

Hope you are all enjoying the summer season!

Robert Treuhold

Mayor

 

 

June 21, 2023

Dear Quogue Residents,

Today is the longest day of the year as we celebrate the Summer Solstice.  While this means that summer has officially arrived, it also means unfortunately that the days already start getting shorter.  In Sweden and most of Scandinavia, the Midsummer celebrations around the solstice are a major three-day holiday.  Perhaps we should import this tradition to Quogue?

With respect to the FIMP beach renourishment project, the US Army Corps of Engineers participated in a working session of the Southampton Town Council last week.  As I indicated in my resident letter last month, the surveying process has begun on the beachfront properties along Dune Road.  This process should be completed over the next three months, which will then enable the appraisers to do their work so that the easement offers can be extended – most likely not until 2024.  The one new development that was announced last week is the potential for a further delay in the project.  While no final decision has been made according to my contacts at the Town, there is a distinct possibility that the third phase which applies to the stretch of beach from Quogue to Hampton Bays may not occur before 2025.  I am going to stop trying to predict when the Village beaches will receive any sand from the Army Corps of Engineers.  Here is a link to the Town of Southampton’s website page with more information on the FIMP project: https://www.southamptontownny.gov/1777/FIMP-Project-Plan; and here is the link to a recording of last week’s FIMP session –  unfortunately the sound quality is not perfect: http://southamptonny.iqm2.com/Citizens/SplitView.aspx?Mode=Video&MeetingID=8860&Format=Agenda

As pointed out in last month’s letter, the restrictions on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers went into effect on Monday, May 15^th.  After that date and through October 15th, the operation of those devices is prohibited on weekends and holidays.  On weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, the only gas-powered leaf blowers that may be used in Quogue must be rated to operate at a level not exceeding 65 db(A).  Please call the Village’s code enforcement officer if you believe any landscapers are violating these restrictions.  If after business hours, you can also call 911.

The Suffolk County Water Authority is continuing to ring the alarm bells about water shortages and the need for conservation throughout the county.  Please speak to your landscapers and irrigation experts about respecting the alternating odd/even lawn watering mandate. Here is a link to a new water conservation brochure that I encourage you all to read: https://ourwaterourlives.com/wp-content/themes/licap/assets/images/LICAP-Brochure-060219.pdf  Please also consult the SCWA website to learn more.  https://www.scwa.com/water-quality/water-education/conservation/

I am pleased to report the results of last Friday’s Village election.  Randy Cardo and Ted Necarsulmer were reelected to an additional two-year term as Trustees, and Frank Fineo was reelected to an additional four-year term as the Village Justice. I was rather disappointed with the voter turnout – only 70 residents made the effort this year.

On a more positive note, I am excited to announce that Quogue was recently added to the Pollinator Pathway website, which recognizes our Village as being part of the “corridor of native plants that provide nutrition and habitat for pollinating insects and birds.”  This is a result of the three public pollinating gardens in our Village, and I encourage you all to consider reserving a portion (or all) of your gardens and yards for this crucial initiative.  This is National Pollinator Week and the Suffolk Alliance of Pollinators (SAP) organized a Pollinator Pathway Garden Tour yesterday in Quogue.  There is another tour scheduled in Southampton on June 29^th.  Another way to celebrate National Pollinator Week is to enjoy a screening of One Enchanted Acre, a beautiful and inspiring film about what you can do on one acre to attract pollinators and support wildlife.  The film is being shown at 7:00 pm this evening at the Wildlife Refuge.  Please register by going to the Refuge’s website: www.quoguewildliferefuge.org You can learn more about pollinator gardens by consulting the SAP website: https://ccesuffolk.org/gardening/suffolk-alliance-for-pollinators-sap  Please also learn more about the Quogue Wildlife Refuge’s “Go Native for Wildlife Initiative” : https://quoguewildliferefuge.org/go-native-for-wildlife

Finally, a reminder that the Village’s property taxes are payable without penalty through and including Monday, July 3^rd.

And now for a few upcoming events:

This coming Friday, June 23^rd, is the Second Annual Concert on the Village Green organized by the Quogue Association. Gene Casey and the Lone Sharks are scheduled to perform from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm.  Unfortunately, the weather forecast is looking a bit iffy and the QA is going call an audible Friday afternoon on whether to proceed.

Beginning this Friday, June 23^rd and running through July 26^th, the Quogue Gallery is pleased to present “Stuart Disston: What Lies Beneath”, a new exhibition featuring fourteen paintings by the artist.  An opening reception will be held on Sunday, July 2^nd, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  More information is available on the Gallery’s website: www.quoguegallery.com.

As noted above, the Quogue Wildlife Refuge is screening One Enchanted Acre this evening at 7:00 pm.  The Refuge’s Annual Members’ barbecue is this Friday, June 23^rd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The 15^th Annual Wild Night for Wildlife Summer Gala will be held at the Wildlife Refuge on July 15^th. Please register for these events at www.quoguewildliferefuge.org.

A reminder that the Quogue Historical Society’s Pond House Museum located at 114 Jessup Avenue is now open Friday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and on Saturday mornings from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.  The 1822 One-Room Schoolhouse is open during the Library Hours.  The QHS will be organizing walking tours later this summer.

As always, the Quogue Library is a hub of activity.  A few notable events include an Author Talk this coming Saturday, June 24^th from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm with Marcy Axelrod presenting her book, How We Choose to Show Up. The following Saturday, July 1^st, at the same time, the Library is hosting a “Special Edition” of Author Talk with two Quogue residents, author Tina Brown, and moderator Gerry Byrne.  Brown is an award-winning journalist, editor, and author.  She has edited Tatler, Vanity Fair, and the New Yorker.  Gerry Byrne is Penske Media’s Vice Chairman.  On July 8^th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, the Library is hosting its First Annual Quogue Library Summer Kick-Off, with crafts, raffles, games, and activities.  There will be live music with the Sunnyland Jazz Band and a food truck by Cheffe Collette. The next Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions discussion program is scheduled for July 22^nd from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the topic of China and the US.  Participants can join by zoom or attend in person.  As always, 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

A few save the dates for events later this summer: the Quogue Association’s annual Duck Race at the Village Dock will be on Friday, July 28^th; and their annual Village Beach Party will be on Friday, August 18^th.  The annual art show and sale to benefit the Quogue Historical Society will be held on the Village Green on Saturday, August 12^th.

 

Robert Treuhold

Mayor