Agriculture

Agriculture fostered the growth and development of Southampton Town, and by creating the Agricultural Conservation District secured that legacy and maintained farming as a viable economic feature of Southampton Town.

Hampton Bays is a vital hamlet and with community input informing a new vision for a Hamptons Bays Central Business District hamlet, residents can look forward to an economy of their own design.

Riverside Revitalization.

Looking farther west in Southampton Town, Democrats created the Riverside Revitalization Action Plan, a key component of which was expanding the Children’s Museum of the East End, and by securing a $120,000 grant for the CMEE. The revitalization plan includes the establishment of a Riverside Sewer District by the end of 2023. Once the district is formally established, the town will be able to issue construction bid requests in the winter/ spring of 2023, with a goal of beginning construction in the spring/summer next year.

The wastewater treatment plant is essential to the implementation of the Riverside Action Plan, a revitalization plan adopted by the Southampton Town Board in 2015 and codified in a zoning overlay district that same year, that calls for high-density mixed-use development in portions of the hamlet.

The Town Received $5 million from Fed Government to fund the sewer system in Riverside, Town Democrats worked with Senator Schumer’s office to secure the grant.

Marijuana Sale

Town adopted a new business code to regulate businesses selling marijuana. 16 standards were adapted, and businesses will be required to process a special exception approval.

Creating affordable housing where none existed

In recent years, Southampton Town created 64 affordable housing unit, 26 for the Sandy Hollow project in Southampton and 38 for the Speonk Commons project in Speonk.

Overall Southampton Town’s housing stock consists of 520 affordable units, or 1.2% of total housing units, On November 8, 2022, Southampton voters approved a Community Activating the Housing Referendum

Activating Housing Referendum

Housing Referendum which, when combined with the Town’s housing plan, will increase the total number of affordable housing units.

Engaged Specialists to Map Out the Comprehensive Housing Plan

Southampton engaged Engineering Consulting Firm, VHB, to prepare a Housing Plan, which the Town Board will adopt as an updated element of the Comprehensive Plan. To develop this plan, VHB reviewed relevant policy and planning documents, researched census data and other publicly available datasets, and engaged directly with the public through a series of virtual public forums and an online survey of residents.

Finalized Housing Plan

Southampton Democrats finalized the housing plan to coincide with the new Community Housing Plan and can be read at:

Accessory Apartment Law

Southampton Democrats recently passed an Accessory Apartment Law, which allows private homes to convert space for apartment dwelling.

Southampton Supports Habitat for Humanity

Southampton Democrats work with Habitat for Humanity to provide housing. The town’s housing authority has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build multiple single-family homes in Riverside. Two houses have already been built and allocated to two hardworking families and an additional four more parcels are available. Habitat Long Island has two houses on Vail Avenue under construction, while two additional parcels are in development, awaiting building permits.

Supplements Affordable Housing efforts with repurposed furniture

The Partnership to Reuse Program at the North Sea Transfer Station is back. The program, which launched last year, encourages town residents to drop off new or slightly used furniture, appliances, kitchen cabinets and building materials that will then be resold at the Suffolk ReStore in Ronkonkoma, with proceeds supporting affordable housing projects.

Fixed republican financial mess

To improve finances Southampton Democrats eliminated operating fund deficits of $8.1 million – deficits attributable to “adoption of inaccurate budgets, poor financial record keeping, inadequate cash flow and lack of monitoring to ensure that actual and planned spending matched.” All problems associated with past Republican administrations.

Credit ratings agencies give Southampton Town high marks

That ended with the election of Southampton Town Democrats. Standard and Poors 2022 Credit Rating report stated: Southampton’s credit profile is characterized by very strong reserves and liquidity and consistently positive operating performance, supported by strong management policies and practices.

Standard and Poors’ glowing report can be found here. 

The “strong management practices” cited by Standards and Poors is mainly manifested through Southampton’s exemplary budgeting process. Remarkably, despite a significant increase in Southampton’s population – mostly driven by Covid-19 relocations – the tax burden has not increased for Southampton residents.

 Responsible budgeting process

“The 2022 Budget addresses that reality by judiciously investing in improvements to facilities and modernization, seeking operational efficiencies and right sizing of staff. Although there are staffing increases proposed in the 2022 Budget, those increases represent only a 2% growth over 2021 staffing. The Town’s ongoing efforts to reorganize, to streamline processes and to implement labor saving technologies play a very important role in creating a budget that meets the needs of the community while protecting the taxpayer. As a result, the 2022 Budget supports those staffing increases as well as providing significant investment in Town facilities while reducing the tax rate in the General Fund by 1%.

Paying fair share of taxes

Democrats negotiated an arrangement with Canoe Place Boathouse developer to pay a fairer share of taxes in Hampton Bays.  Because the Canoe PIace Inn Boathouse project are eligible to receive tax advantages that would reduce property taxes for the Canoe Place property, Southampton negotiated with the owners to make up the difference..

The owner, Greg Rechler, asserted:. “We deeply value and appreciate our relationship with Hampton Bays and remain committed to fulfilling the community benefits promise made to provide property tax revenue for the Hampton Bays School District and other taxing jurisdictions,” the statement read.

To achieve tax equity for Hampton Bays, the Town and the Rechsler will adopt an end-of-the-year reconciliation. 

Trustees to acquire their own tax line

This legislation provides the Town Trustees with the budget authority that any local government, school district, or fire district possesses to meet its responsibilities, with the same checks and oversight that protect our taxpayers.

Marijuana Tax Income

With marijuana shops legalized, and new regulations governing aspects of the business, the Town will receive portions of tax revenue as a result of sales.

Property Tax Assessment

Town Board voted to eliminate full value assessment because of inequities in the real estate market.

Taxes

For 2023, taxpayers will receive a small increase in their tax bill even though inflation was the highest it’s been in recent memory.

When Covid hit the East End, Southampton Democrats immediately sprang into administrative action, mitigating the deadly impacts of Covid with helpful outreach to everyone and especially to the vulnerable. Southampton Town Democrats created All For The East End, or AFTEE, a vehicle to raise funds, qualify for grants to augment food bank operations. AFTEE created “Feed the Need Campaign” which assisted many local employees impacted by Covid. The ASAP program – All For The Seniors – was a delivery system to bring essential items to seniors who might be homebound or otherwise in need; assisted with vaccination appointments and travel to those appointments. More than 20 merchants signed up to help ASAP, enabling 1,500 deliveries to 1,000 seniors. AFTEE and ASAP and other efforts to combat Covid came about as the result of a leadership group organized for such purposes. These efforts are a model for other public health emergencies.

Record of Achievement

Southampton Town has a lower overall crime rate than the vast majority of U.S. cities. For comparison, the national total crime rate is 2,489 incidents for every 100,000 people. There were 520 crimes reported in Southampton Town, New York in 2019, the most recent year crime data is available. Adjusted for population, the city’s annual crime rate is 1,018 incidents for every 100,000 people. Southampton Town’s overall crime rate is 41% lower than the overall crime rate in New York. Statewide, there were 336,919 crimes reported in 2019, or 1,732 for every 100,000 people. 

Quality of Police Department

Southampton’s favorable crime rate can be attributed to a well-functioning and professional police force. Professionalism was enhanced in 2016 when the Southampton Democratic Town Board appointed Steven Skrynecki, formerly Chief of the Nassau County Police Department, to the Chief of Police of Southampton Town. Under Chief Skrynecki training became a focus as the hiring of bilingual police officers to relate to the growing Latino Community.

Public Safety is more than a police function and other actions include the following:

1. Created the Department of Public Safety and hired Ryan Murphy – formerly the Coordinator of Safety and Fire Rescue in Patchogue – to serve as the new Director of Public Safety for Southampton Town. Mr. Ryan’s expertise in disaster planning and code enforcement made him a perfect fit for the job.

2. A reorganization of the Public Safety Department brought code enforcement, the fire marshal’s office and the office of animal control under one roof – all in Hampton Bays – the most centrally located hamlet in Southampton. Having all departments reorganized in one building under one director has allowed cross-department coordination and improved overall efficiency.

3. Adopted and implemented an all-hazard mitigation plan. Recognizing that preparation is the best defense, the Town released a new brochure: Be Prepared. Updated, handy, and compact, the pamphlet is designed specifically for Southampton residents, with valuable information such as: important phone numbers, advice for caring for the elderly and those with special needs, pet safety, advice on protecting homes and businesses, assembling an emergency “go-bag.”

4. Developed a “police use of force” protocol, including training clips used to demonstrate field training in the areas of de-escalation, intervening and tactics employed. It specifically meets and exceeds best practices in several areas. Southampton also adopted a clear policy on when to report use of force to NYS.

5. Other actions include the following: updated the emergency dispatch console, resolved East Quogue Fire Department dispatch issue; participated in the Hurricane Sandy Task Force and implemented recommendations such as, adopting ways to speed up power restoration and keeping emergency response teams functioning throughout storms and other emergencies.

6. Created an Alarm Registry to track abusive use of alarms and malfunctioning alarm systems. Adopted and then amended a system to implement fines and penalties.

Police Department Staffing

Town revised work rules to allow experienced officers to stay on staff by amending retirement rules.

Leadership

Southampton Democrats hired two very capable police chiefs. Steven Skrynecki and, after the Chief’s death, James Kiernan. Chief Skrynecki oversaw the hiring of more bilingual police officers and the successful implementation of police reform efforts in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Upon becoming Chief, James Kiernan promised to carry on Chief Skrynecki’s legacy and at his swearing in ceremony, delivered parts of his speech in Spanish. Kieran remarked that in Southampton, “we embrace police reform while maintaining law and order.”

Police Reform – Body Cameras.

Southampton Town Police started a pilot program in 2020 that set up two patrol vehicles with body camera equipment. The department is currently testing three different products, with six officers sporting the cameras daily. Chief Skrynecki plans to outfit every officer on duty with a camera by the end of the year.

Use of Telehealth to Improve Responses to Mental Health Crisis.

DASH is a 24-hour crisis stabilization center located in Hauppauge for people experiencing mental health or substance abuse-related crisis. Smartphone technology to connect a person in crisis with DASH on the scene, allowing a clinician to conduct a more in-depth evaluation than a responding police officer could. The mental health professional could do on-the-spot triage, then link the patient to treatment and support services. Providing police with a tool to respond expeditiously and effectively to mental health crisis is good for the police, the individual in distress and the community.

Responding to gangs.

Southampton police thwarted a gang member’s plan to hold a massive party in Southampton. Police worked closely with NYC terrorism unit.

Committed to a Robust Environment and Emission Reductions

Southampton Democrats commitment to beautification, coastal erosion mitigation, education programs, land and natural habitat preservation, noise abatement, waste management, and especially water quality improvements has given the Town an opportunity to sustain our economic engine and way of life.

Safe Clean Water

Water quality is a significant public health matter on the East End and Southampton Democrats urgently delivered potable water and installed public water connections to communities beset with contaminated private wells. Water quality project grants from Sag Harbor to Eastport dot the landscape, a partial list includes:

$547,000 to Sag Harbor’s water quality analysis and sewage treatment upgrade; $134,000 to Southampton Village for a permeable reactive barrier for Lake Agawam and $231,000 for stormwater attenuation at Old Towne Rd; $160,00 to Stony Brook to evaluate septic systems that will reduce Nitrogen discharges by 50%; $4,233,000 for Westhampton Beach Sewage project; completion of the sewer system is projected to divert nearly 5,000 lbs. of nitrogen away from Monibogue Bay annually, reducing its total nitrogen load by 24%. The Hampton Bays Water District was found to contain water contamination and in their role as HB Water District Commissioners approved the spending of $1 million to install carbon filtration systems on affected wells.

Improve Hampton Bays Water District

The Hampton Bays Water District was found to contain water contamination and in their role as HB Water District Commissioners approved the spending of $1 million to install carbon filtration systems on affected wells. Help came from the NYS Democrats, too. A sizable Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant from New York State was approved for the Hampton Bays Water District. Some $2.72 million will go toward two directional drilling projects that are due to begin in 2022. Late last year, the Southampton Town Board, acting as water district commissioners, voted to bond $4.5 million for the two projects.

Battle Against Sand Mine Inc to Protect Local Aquifer

For years, Democrats fought a sand mining operation in Noyac. The sand mining operation – owned by Sand Land Corporation – encroached on the aquifer, polluting drinking water for local residents.  NYS Appeals court ruled that the sand mine operation violates environmental law. 

Sustainable Fishing

Nothing says the Hamptons like fishing in our world-renowned waters. With that in mind, In November of 2018, a $1.9 million renovation project was completed. The project restored Ponquogue Bridge piers on both sides making for great fishing and diving access for all to enjoy. The south pier offers ample parking and a boat launch for all to use. This pier is closer to the main channel and offers slightly deeper water for anglers and divers to explore.

There’s also fishing as a commercial enterprise, providing jobs, income and a way of life. With that in mind, Southampton Town replaced Suffolk County as manager of the Shinnecock commercial dock.The transfer will consolidate government services, reduce the burden on taxpayers, assure local control and maintenance, and allow the Town to begin a revitalization project of the area that will benefit the commercial fishing industry and visitors alike. The next phase of rehabilitation will be bulkhead replacement and electrical infrastructure upgrades.  The bay front property west of the dock will be added to the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department.

Commitment to Reducing Carbon Emissions 

Southampton Democrats, working within the framework of the Town’s Sustainability Plan, have committed to meet 100% of community wide electricity needs through renewable energy sources by the year 2025, and carbon neutrality for town facilities by 2040.  To formalize that goal, a Town resolution committed Southampton to adopt a Climate Action Plan (to be prepared by the consulting firm, Ramboll, Inc) as part of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.

By adopting specific regulatory and legislative actions, Southampton Town has begun to make the climate plan a reality and the goals attainable. 1) Guided by the NYS Stretch code, initiated reduction in energy consumption by 10-12% by requiring high efficiencies for all new or substantially reconstructed residential dwellings; 2) Converted 2,580 incandescent street lights to LED lighting, leading to $270,000 annual savings through reduced maintenance and energy savings; 3) Passed a ground-based solar code, opening the way to hiring Kearsarge Inc., to build a solar array farm in North Sea which was, in turn, enabled by the creation of the Community Choice Aggregation/Community Choice Power program. Initially, Southampton will receive $60,000 in lease payments from Kearsarge that will be escalated in following years; 4) Committed to building a 4-station electric charging unit in an existing municipal parking lot in Bridgehampton paid for by the New York Power Authority.

Solar Regulations

Democrats amended town code to permit commercial solar installation. Rooftop solar panels to reduce one’s carbon footprint have become more and more common on houses across Southampton Town, but now town officials are turning their attention to preparing for the day when those same tools will be developed on a commercial scale. The town will focus on already disturbed sites — town landfills, depleted sand mines, and brownfield areas — that could be used for large solar arrays.

Electric Charging Stations

Installed two electrical vehicle chargers at the Ponquogue Beach parking lot

Improve Natural Habitat

Quiogue Quantuck Creek Culvert Repaired. Key improvements to the failing culvert on South Country Road, just east of the intersection with Old Meeting House Road. will improve natural habitat.

Working with various agencies, Southampton Democrats secured a grant and initiated a process to help fish spawn and improve the ecology of Little River in Riverside and the larger Peconic estuary. The Woodhull Dam fish ladder is a critical step in achieving the goal of restoring 300 acres of fish habitat in the Peconic River.

Leaf Blower Ban

A change to Town Code chapter 235, entitled noise, distinguishes the use of gas leaf blowers. The law would mandate a summertime ban, from May 20 to September 20, as well as on Sundays all year. The law allows for the use of gas leaf blowers between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays and until 5 p.m. on Saturdays during the rest of the year

More

A grant to East Quogue will give life to a native plant garden project; a joint plan with Cornell Cooperative Extension established a Marine Education Center;  in 2016 adopted a Coastal Waters and Resource Protection Plan; working now on an airport noise abatement plan, and adopted Sunday noise control for building projects; Community Preservation Fund office evaluates 400 open space preservation projects on annual basis; adopted a sewage rebate program and mandates new construction projects to install new septic systems; adopted a ban on lighter than air balloons and one-use only plastic bags; fought Sand Land mining company to preserve our sole use aquifer; oversized utility poles removed; improved waste removal projects and added equipment to facilitate beach refuse pick-up.

Community Center

Westhampton Beach is set to acquire a state-of-the-art community center that will include nutrition services for seniors and a youth services program. The $4.1 million purchase of a 22,000 square foot property on 112 Old Riverhead will be a welcome addition to the community.

Ponquogue Beach Pavillion

A major renovation of the Ponquogue Beach Pavilion delights beachgoers.  The renovation began in November, 2018.  Built in 1966, the entire 3.9 acres site has been transformed into a modern, eco-friendly facility utilizing sustainable products, including an increase in natural lighting through sky-lights and harvesting rain-water for irrigation and restrooms. In addition, the renovation includes a new roof, upgrades to exterior materials including decking and low maintenance, chemical free siding.   The ramp to the beach has been extended and widened and the concession area has a new look with additional outdoor seating.  The indoor and outdoor lighting has been replaced with LED fixtures. There are more outdoor showers and the renovated restrooms include changing areas.  The parking lot has been upgraded with rain gardens and native plantings.  The parking area surface has been recoated and restriped. And the attendance booth and entrance have been replaced and modernized to improve appearance, accessibility and safety. The total renovation costs $3.35 million.

Water Mill Flying Point Beach Pavillion

Not only the beach pavilion in Hampton Bays but Flying Point in Water Mill will get a facelift, too. The pavilion at Flying Point Beach in Water Mill will be renovated, after Southampton Town Board members approved spending $960,400 on the project.

Renovation to Southampton Public Safety Division

Renovations to the Southampton Town Public Safety division will enhance services. Emergency Management Administrator Ryan Murphy approved, saying that, “The new headquarters is centrally located and, in the town’s biggest population center. The new site provides a modern, up-to-date workspace for employees and better access for the public. A location west of the Shinnecock Canal is going to make employee recruitment much easier.

Tiana Live Saving Station

The Tiana Life Saving Station is being renovated. The town has spent $815,290 to restore the property, which included some demolition work and the removal of non-historic structures such as bathrooms, a kitchen, and the main bar outside, as well as exterior and interior restorations, the latter of which is currently underway. This last year, the building’s exterior was restored with cedar shingles, its tower reconstructed and raised, and gable windows with bronze screening, boat ramps and barn doors were all installed.

Local Democrats didn’t stop there, other projects made the grade, too:

A grant to the North Sea Community Center to align with the American with Disability Act

1. Rebuild Foster Avenue playground

2. Southampton Youth Services roof repair

Several renovations and improvements to the physical components of the Hampton Bays Water District

1. Elevate Dune Road by 6 inches.

2. Fixed kennel cages at animal shelter

Financial Support for Local Ambulance Corp

Recognizing that emergencies are inevitable, Southampton Democrats demonstrated a firm commitment to a robust ambulance corps by bonding $5.5 million for a new ambulance building. The new building will allow a thorough training program, sleep-over capabilities, and equipment modernization.

Opioid (and other drug) Crisis

Aware of the ravages visited on Southampton Town residents by the Opioid addiction crisis, Democrats created an Opioid Task Force. Members appointed to the Task Force were subject matter experts, ready and able to make the following sound recommendations.

1. Supported evidence-based Prevention Education programs in both school and community settings.

2. Developed a multi-pronged strategy for disseminating information to the community.

3. Created a new Parent/Guardian Education program.

4. Measured effectiveness of prevention awareness program with school districts every other year and facilitated Prescriber Education for medical professionals

5. Maintained Town multidisciplinary coalition and initiated a youth coalition component for class credit.

Rehabilitation

Southampton Town Democrats also worked to bring the THRIVE rehabilitation program to a facility in Westhampton Beach. This free and non-clinical center opened in response to the heroin and opioid epidemic sweeping across the country. Due to the success of THRIVE Suffolk and the continued need for services and support in our communities, THRIVE Nassau later opened in June 2019 and THRIVE East End in November 2021.

Supports Nutrition Program

Recognizing the importance of nutrition Southampton Town Democrats announced the opening of a farmers’ market, which is part of its Flanders Farm Fresh Food Project. The market is run by young staffers with the Southampton Youth Bureau.

Supports Edith Windsor Heart Project

Southampton Democrats created the Edith Windsor Heart Project. The project consists of a heart-shaped memorial tribute to Edith Windsor. Civil marriages will be performed at the heart site and money raised by purchasing heart-shaped mementoes will be donated to the Edith Windsor Health Clinic at Stony Brook Southampton.

Smoking in Public

Lighting — or blazing — up in public could get a smoker a $250 ticket in Southampton Town, thanks to an ordinance proposed by the Southampton Town Board. It’s meant to be a guideline for how to smoke respectfully. “We’re not prohibiting a behavior; we’re allowing a behavior. This is a balance of personal liberty versus public safety.” The law was constructed to focus on parks and places where families congregate.

Recognized Need for Strategic Plan

Town officials recognized the need for research and strategic planning to mitigate the traffic and transportation issues on the East End. Two large research and planning projects have informed the Town Government. One is the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center and the other is the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Transportation element.

Enhanced Public Transportation

Under Volpe, the initial transit concept under evaluation proposed a Coordinated Rail-Bus Network process as a means of improving local mobility. Southampton Democrats responded with the South Fork Commuter Connection shuttle bus program. Although negatively impacted by the Covid pandemic, the Shuttle is making steady gains and is becoming a viable mode of transportation for local commuters.

Under the general rubric of the Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element many projects have been implemented or will be implemented to mitigate commuter and general public traffic issues, some are:

Other

1. Created parking districts in Bridgehampton and Hampton Bays.

2. Created the Bridgehampton Pedestrian and Traffic study that should increase pedestrian and traffic safety. Six new crosswalks are proposed.

3. Through a grant program, added bus stop shelters in Flanders to improve and facilitate transportation options for Flanders residents.

4. ·Created the Townwide Road Capital and Strategic Improvements Plan that has addressed traffic flow concerns at various local intersection:

   1. Greenfield Road alignment

   2. Limit Parking on Long Neck Road

   3. Install speed indicator at Hampton Bays elementary school

   4. Improved traffic flow at Scuttle Hole Rd and Millstone Rd by relocating STOP signs

   5. Addressed traffic flow concerns during land management and development issues. For example, voted down a proposal for a Tuckahoe shopping district due to negative impacts on traffic

   6. Traffic re-routing plan for CR39 – Various pilot projects to change traffic patterns and traffic lights to move commuter traffic more efficiently

   7. Deerfield and Middle Line Highway signage

   8. Evaluate McGee and CR39 intersection for left turning arrow

   9. Pave unpaved sections of Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays

   10. Study traffic flow issue at Deerfield and Head of Ponds Roads

 Created Traffic Task Force

Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman is calling for the creation of a traffic task force charged with finding ways to keep cars moving on the South Fork.

Created a Public Transportation Option

The South Fork Commuter Connection (SFCC) is a coordinated rail and bus system created to operate during peak commuting hours to provide workers with a public transportation travel option. The SFCC started on Monday, March 4, 2019.

The SFCC operates Monday through Friday, except for major legal holidays and on Fridays during the summer. The service offers local LIRR trips, stopping in Speonk, Westhampton, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk. Select trains will connect with last-mile shuttle bus service to nearby workplaces and employment centers.

Traffic Flow Experiments

On October 24, 2022, Southampton established a “blinking yellow light” program to facilitate traffic flow in major arteries. The program will be employed between 5:30AM and 9:30AM, Monday through Friday.

Improve Beach and Recreational Facilities

From Sag Harbor to Eastport recreational and beach facilities have been improved under successive Democratic Administrations. Knowing that that rich recreational opportunity translates to personal wellbeing as well as economic success, Supervisor Jay Schneiderman gave the Parks and Recreation Department the backing it needed.

1. East Quogue Dog Park. In the words of former Councilwoman Julie Lofstad, “Members of the community were looking for a place for their dogs to run safely and play with other dogs; I’m happy to see this project come to fruition. It’s a great way for residents to be outside with their pets and socialize with their neighbors.”

2. Flanders/Riverside. The Big Duck. In 1997, the Big Duck was named to the. National Register of Historic Places. The Big Duck is situated at Reeves Park and Southampton is working to improve a walkway that visitors use to visit the park.

3. Flanders/Riverside. Development of the Riverside Maritime Trail Park with pedestrian access to the Peconic River, passive recreation and shoreline/wetland restoration, is a cornerstone feature of the Riverside Revitalization Action Plan (RRAP).

4. Flanders/Riverside. Develop Riverside Park. The Park will facilitate a re-orientation of land use and community life toward the river, providing a linkage between a new downtown Riverside and the River and functioning as an anchor for new mixed use development and increased economic activity.

5. Flanders/Riverside. Improve Ludlam Park playground. The site located at the intersection of Ludlum Avenue and Old Quogue Road in Riverside will gain new bleachers, re-netting of existing soccer goal post frames and new lines drawn for the two existing baseball fields, turning it into one multi-purpose field that will make it easier for visitors to play soccer as well as baseball.

6. Hampton Bays. Built Good Ground Park. Following more than 10 years of planning, Good Ground Park opened to the public in the Spring of 2017. This passive recreational park complete with amphitheater sits adjacent to Hampton Bays Main Street. Many concerts and events have been held to rave reviews. A playground and parking were added after the park’s opening. The park is intended to enhance the downtown business area as well as provide a rich community resource.

7. Hampton Bays. Improvement to the Maritime Park. This property is located along the Shinnecock Canal, adjacent to the Parks and Recreation Department in Hampton Bays. The Town has removed an old fence, improved landscaping, and opened it up so that visitors gain easier access to the canal.  The Town proposes to make additional improvements funded in part by $300,000. benefit payment made by the developer of Canoe P[ace Inn.  An additional amount of $220,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds will also support these improvements.

8. Hampton Bays. Bike Lane. The proposed location of this project is within walking distance of public transportation, is accessible through a designated bike path, and is connected to the hamlet center through a series of paved sidewalks. The project proposes improvements to 3.0 acres of open space parcel of property purchased by the Town for $1.15 million through its Community Preservation Fund (CPF) on the west side and adjacent to the Shinnecock Canal.

9. North Sea. Built Pickle Ball Court at North Sea Recreational Facility. “This is going to be a very well utilized facility,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman, who is an avid player himself. “There is a huge pickleball community here in Southampton Town and those numbers are only going to continue to grow as more people get exposed to it. It’s a great sport.” 

10. Hot Dog Beach Reopened. “It’s been so much fun to see this spot get revitalized, but with the growing patronage it became increasingly important to us that we provide lifeguard staff,” said Town Parks Director Kristen Doulos. The nine-acre parcel at 35 Dune Road was purchased by Southampton Town using $4.07 million from the Community Preservation Fund. Construction began in 2017 to restore the boardwalks, add a new ADA-compliant ramp, and security lighting. When the gates opened that June, it was formally named William H. Swan Beach, had a 175-car unpaved parking lot, two portable toilets, and a Mister Softee truck.

11. Sag Harbor. Purchase Land for Steinbeck Park. The Southampton Town Board voted unanimously on July 10 to approve the purchase of 1.25 acres in Sag Harbor Village that will become the site of the proposed John Steinbeck Waterfront Park. The parcels of land that the town is acquiring for $10.5 million with the use of community preservation fund money include 1, 3, and 5 Ferry Road, on the Sag Harbor side of the bridge that leads to North Haven. For more than a decade, they have been blighted with abandoned buildings.

12. Establish Aquatic Center at IGHL

13. Electronic Beach Stickers. At Southampton Town beaches license plate readers decide entry and exit to ensure beach goers are eligible to use beaches. Town beach goers will apply online for a beach permit.

14. Public Walkway at the Revitalized Canoe Place Inn. A public parking area will be located immediately off Old Boathouse Lane, at the southern tip of the property, where the lane comes off North Road. Visitors will be able to walk toward the Shinnecock Canal and up a hill to the beginning of a catwalk.  

15. Park Improvement. Two parks, one at Hampton Bays and the other in the North Sea. Over at SYS, the North Sea Park application sought, and received, approval for the construction of two tennis courts, two basketball courts, two platform tennis courts, and three paddle courts.  

16. New Athletic Fields. The town voted to appropriate money to get a design for athletic fields on town acreage off Old Country Road in Speonk to include ball fields, soccer pitch and a BMX track.

Inclusivity is a Hallmark

Southampton Democrats believe that all groups, irrespective of race, color, creed, or national origin deserve a seat at the table, a voice in decision making and recognition of their contributions to Southampton Town and America at large:

Shinnecock Nation Graves Protection

Southampton Democrats, recognizing past injustices suffered by the Shinnecock Nation passed the Graves Protection Act to protect sacred burial ground and followed up by establishing a committee to assess vital issues impacting the Shinnecocks. A land use moratorium was the first initiative proposed which will be used to identify sacred ground. Democrats support the Shinnecock Nation’s fight for improved graves protection. Southampton Town will spend $5.3 million from the Community Preservation Fund to purchase the development rights of discovered grave sites.

In Recognition of African American History

In recognition of the rich history of African Americans and their many contributions to the East End, Southampton Town joined with the Southampton African American Museum to save and rehabilitate the Pyrrhus Concer House. By using CPF funds, the Concer house was saved from private development and purchased for historical preservation.

Statement Against Anti-Semitism

Due to an increase in antisemitic incidents perpetrated against Jewish people, Southampton Town approved a resolution with language spelling out the definition of antisemitism as understood by the International Holocaust Alliance.

Southampton Joins Certified Local Government Program – to Protect Historic Properties

The Southampton Town Board voted earlier this month to authorize the supervisor to formally request participation in the Certified Local Government program. Participation in the CLG program allows municipalities to partner with the state and federal government throughout the processes of identifying community resources and protecting historic properties. Statewide, over 70 communities participate. The Town Board passed the required changes to its zoning code. Owners of eligible historical properties may apply for a 2023 Landmark Maintenance Program. The The 

Historic Site Preservation

Dimon Farmhouse, a Water Mill home that dates back to the mid to late 19th century, will be saved from the wrecking ball under a recently approved plan to move the structure, landmark it and subdivide the property. 

Code Enforcement

Code enforcement resources are targeted for locations with most complaints.  Hampton Bays — also the most populous section of town — is consistently at the top of the list. Hampton Bays has two officers assigned to it, while other hamlets may just have one.

The Public Safety and Emergency Management department’s move to Ponquogue Avenue in Hampton Bays underscores that the town is serious about addressing the quality-of-life issues based on hamlet/village specific need..

Tax Assessment

A tax assessment freeze pending NYS legislation – The Homestead Act – which would protect homeowners from unjust tax increases because of housing market distortions. If the law passes in NYS property assessment could be reduced by $50,000.

Community Center in Westhampton 

Southampton Town sold the property originally housing an old and decaying former  community center; the proceeds – $401,000- will be used for a new community center in Westhampton Beach.

Effective Placement of Government Offices

As traffic has become a bigger and bigger issue and with the bulk of the town’s population west of the Shinnecock Canal, the board is looking to site some public offices closer to where the public is. The Trustees could use the first-floor space as principal offices, and the housing and community development department might use the upstairs, with the back building for bay constables.

Extend Term of Planning Board

The board voted, 4-1, to lengthen the number of years members of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals may serve. The new term length, seven years, falls in line with other municipalities in the state.  Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni felt the seven-year term was appropriate. “We need boards with knowledge, experience and security in those seats,” he said. “This is good government, in my opinion.”

CSEA Contract

Confronted by an exodus of employees and trouble recruiting new ones, the Southampton Town Board voted last week to revise the contract with the Civil Service Employees Association, the union that represents many town employees. Members of the union voted to accept the amendment, which provides for a shorter work week and incremental pay increases. Workers will have to be on the job 40 hours, with a half-hour paid lunch, instead of 42.5.

Community Outreach

Established public policy specific hearings such as one for revitalization of Hampton Bays. 1) Community hearings, 2) public opinion surveys, 3) listening sessions.

Hurricane Sandy

Participated in Hurricane Sandy Task Force, resulting in improved communication system during extreme weather events.

Special Agency

To crack down on illegal dumping created an interagency group to facilitate finding and prosecuting illegal dumpers.