November 24, 2020

Dear Neighbors:

Linda and I would like to wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving.

Although this year's holiday may be different from previous years, we should be hopeful and thankful that by next year we will celebrate as we always have. Please be prudent with any gathering you have: try to limit it to your immediate family. By being careful this year we are doing all we can to stay safe and healthy.

Warmest regards,
Mayor Dr. Gregory Letica

November 16, 2020

Dear Neighbors:

On November 13th, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone had a conference call with Town Supervisors and Village Mayors to discuss the recent significant increase in the number of daily Covid-19 cases. Deputy Mayor Pam Pierce and I participated on the call.

Starting about a month ago there has been a steady increase in the number of daily cases in Suffolk County. In three out of the last four days there have been more than 400 daily cases. To put this in perspective, the last time there were this many daily cases was in May during the decline of the first wave. The County has entered the second wave that was predicted to accompany the colder weather.

Executive Bellone explained that contact tracing showed that many of these cases came because of small gatherings that took place after Halloween. He added that at the present time there is significant Countywide community transmission of Covid-19. Executive Bellone also suggested that to the extent you can avoid gatherings please do so. If you cannot avoid gatherings, please follow the latest guidelines: wear a mask indoors and limit gatherings to no more than 10 people.

A recent interview I heard with an infectious disease doctor from Iowa, where cases are exploding, reinforced the same concept. The physician explained that research showed that you are far more likely to get Covid-19 from friends and family than you are from strangers. It is critical to keep in mind that asymptomatic Covid-19 carriers are the people that most often spread the virus.

I know that all of us are exhausted from the impact that Covid-19 has had on our families. At this time of the year, we all look forward to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas together with our relatives and friends. And this year I am sure we are longing for these special days more than ever. Sadly, now is not the time to give in to Covid-19 fatigue and let down our guard.

Please consider the information I have provided you as you plan for the holidays. It is up to all of us to prevent the spread of Covid-19, stop the second wave in its tracks now and keep us from having to live through another lockdown. We may have to make some sacrifices in the short term, but I am sure they are worth making if they keep our family and friends healthy.

Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A vaccine is on the way and better therapeutics are coming onboard. Until then we should commit to doing all we can to keep our family and friends healthy and safe. Stay Well.

Best regards,
Mayor Dr. Gregory Letica

November 12, 2020

Dear Residents,

At the November 10th board meeting the board passed a resolution approving a public hearing on a new proposed local law relating to "Fences." The proposed local law will be part of Chapter 125 of the Code "Zoning".

Click here to read the Proposed Local Law 3 for 2020. The Board of Trustees believes it is important for the Village to regulate the height and location of fences and address safety, privacy, property values and water views. Please review the proposed law and email us your comments, all emails will be part of the public hearing record. The public hearing will be held on December 1st, 2020.

Thank you,
Mayor Letica

November 6, 2020

Dear Neighbors:

Today's unusually warm November morning began with a spectacular sunrise over Northport Bay. The sky was a remarkable blend of orange and pink hues which reflected off of the flat calm water of the bay. A single Common Loon was plaintively calling. Overnight, Long-Tailed Ducks returned to their winter home on our waters and were quacking madly as they love to do. Yesterday, I saw my first seals of the fall. There is just no better place to live than Asharoken.

The public hearing on the proposed commercial parking law, originally scheduled for September, will be held at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, November 10th. Click here to read Proposed Local Law 2 for 2020. In September, I requested comments on the proposed law and I would like to review some of the concerns people raised:

• Multiple people asked about boat trailers. Boat trailers, jet ski trailers, snowmobile trailers, horse trailers, small personal trailers and other similar trailers are not regulated by the law. Only trailers used for commercial purposes are regulated.
• During construction and maintenance commercial vehicles can be parked on a property.
• Individuals who own a regulated vehicle for personal use can apply to the Board of Trustees for permission to store it on their property.
• House trailers and RVs are not regulated by this law. Existing Village law does not allow them to be parked in the Village.

Multiple residents responded with support for adoption of this proposed law.

All the comments the Village received in September will be part of the record of the public hearing. I look forward to any other comments.

It's going to be an amazing weekend. Enjoy.
Mayor Greg Letica