March 10, 2026

Dear Neighbors:

Last Friday, the NYS Comptroller's Office released its final report on the claims audit conducted for the Village. As part of my commitment to keeping residents informed and maintaining an open, transparent administration, Here is their report for your review. I encourage you to read it, particularly the Village's response letter at the end.

• NYS Comptroller Audit & Village Response

Most importantly, the Comptroller's Office reviewed 232 disbursements totaling $877,625 and determined that each was a valid and appropriate Village expense. The audit found that a limited number of claims lacked certain documentation or signatures needed to fully meet OSC best practices. The report included eight recommendations to strengthen the Board's claims audit process and oversight of disbursements.

When these matters were brought to the attention of the Mayor, Clerk, and Treasurer during the audit, the Village promptly updated its claims audit procedures, monitoring of disbursements, and financial software user access. All eight recommendations have now been fully implemented.

The audit helped improve several Village processes. During the review, whenever auditors identified an opportunity for improvement, the Village implemented changes immediately. The audit was constructive and beneficial, and we appreciate the Comptroller's Office for its recommendations. Independent reviews like this help ensure the Village continues to serve residents as effectively as possible.

The Village of Asharoken takes the stewardship of taxpayer funds very seriously. Before being approved, every voucher paid by the Village is carefully reviewed by the Clerk, the Treasurer, and each member of the Board of Trustees. This diligence is one of the reasons the Village remains on a strong financial footing. The Village will continue to ensure that your taxpayer money is spent carefully, wisely, and properly.

Best regards;
Mayor Dr. Gregory Letica

March 6, 2026

Dear Neighbors:

Thank you to all residents who have returned their signed requests to Governor Hochul for seawall financial assistance. If you have not yet done so, please return signed petitions to Village Hall by Monday, March 9th. The New York State Budget process is underway and time is running out to get her financial assistance on the seawall. The support of many residents will make a significant difference. Forms may be placed in the black mailbox to the left of the steps at Village Hall. For additional copies, contact Village Clerk Michelle Glennon at 631-261-7098 or email at mglennon@asharokenny.org.

Just a reminder that the Asharoken Save the Fireworks Dinner/Dance on Saturday, March 21st at the Northport Yacht Club is selling out quickly. This fun event supports our annual Fourth of July fireworks and offers a great opportunity to meet neighbors, bid on wonderful raffle baskets, enjoy a delicious meal, and dance the night away.

If you would like to donate an item for a raffle basket, please contact the organizer Carole Casamassima at 631-261-1895. Click the link below to RSVP and reserve your seats.

• Dinner Dance RSVP Form

In my ongoing effort to keep you informed of events in the Village, here is my Mayor's Report from the March 3 Board meeting.

• Mayor's Report: March 3, 2026

Wishing everyone a great weekend. Sixty degrees on Sunday, it's going to feel like July! Enjoy!

Mayor Dr. Gregory Letica

February 22, 2026

Dear Neighbors:

This will be a significant storm. Please restrict travel to emergencies only until the storm has passed and the roads are cleared. Heavy snow and strong winds will create blizzard conditions and make driving nearly impossible. Real-time road closures and reopenings will be posted on the Village website asharoken.com and on X at @asharokenny. In an emergency, contact the Asharoken Police Department at 631-261-7400.

Please plan on staying home until Monday afternoon at the earliest. This will allow the storm to pass and the plows to clear the road.

The heaviest snow will begin late Sunday afternoon/early evening and continue through midday Monday. The forecast calls for 15-20 inches of accumulation. A gale warning has been issued. Northeast winds will increase to 30-40 knots this evening, shifting north on Monday and diminishing. Higher-than-normal tides and beach erosion along the LI Sound beach are expected. Fortunately, the high tide timing at the seawall is favorable for this storm.

Seawall High Tides

• Sunday 2:40pm
• Monday 3:00am
• Monday 3:40pm

As winds shift north and diminish, the impact on the seawall area during the Monday afternoon high tide is expected to be minimal. Strong winds may cause snow to drift in the beach lot area, potentially narrowing the roadway. Please use extreme caution when traveling through that area until snow removal is complete. After the storm, please clear any fire hydrant located on your property.

Several dead birds have been reported on the beach and are presumed to be victims of avian flu. Please avoid contact and keep dogs away from them.

The winter of our discontent keeps on giving. Let's hope this is winter's last storm. Please stay safe.

Best regards,
Mayor Cr. Greg Letica

February 20, 2026

Dear Neighbors:

The Asharoken Save the Fireworks dinner/dance on March 21st at the Northport Yacht Club is selling out quickly. This fun event supports our annual Fourth of July fireworks and offers a great opportunity to meet neighbors, bid on wonderful raffle baskets, enjoy a delicious meal, and dance the night away.

If you would like to donate an item for a raffle basket, please contact the organizer, Carole Casamassima, at 631-261-1895. Please RSVP soon to reserve your seat. I look forward to seeing you there.

Thank you to all residents who have returned their signed requests to Governor Hochul for seawall financial assistance. If you have not yet done so, please submit your form by Monday. Forms may be placed in the black mailbox to the left of the steps at Village Hall. For additional copies, contact Village Clerk Michelle Glennon at 631-261-7098.

As part of our continued efforts to secure seawall funding, I met this month with Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine's Chief Deputy, Assemblyman Steve Stern, Assemblywoman and Local Government Committee Chair Michaelle Solages, and a representative from Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay's office. The Village has also received numerous letters of support.

The bird of the week is a Barrow's Goldeneye, which I observed at the seawall. This species is uncommon here in winter and is usually seen among flocks of Common Goldeneye. The Barrow's is new to the all-time Asharoken life list. Next week, we should see the return of grackles and red-winged blackbirds — always a welcome sign of spring. Let's see if they keep to their migratory schedule.

Wishing everyone a great and hopefully snow-free weekend.

Best regards,
Mayor Dr. Gregory Letica