Village Newsletter

Letter from Mayor Chris Fiore

AN AUGUST UPDATE

WATER:

Good morning everyone -- the heat is still with us and there's not much relief coming. Please take care and watch your exposure to the heat and especially keep track of your pets. Might sound contradictory, but also be careful of your water usage, too. Although the County lifted the emergency last week, the water levels are not all that healthy, what with the wells taken offline due to the East Hampton battery storage fire, as well as the ongoing dry weather, we are still in a bit of a crunch. 

BTW, the answer to the water tanker truck questions about why they can take thousands of gallons daily from our local hydrants for swimming pools while we are under a severe water watch: they have a permit, and, according to the CEO of Suffolk County Water, with whom I emailed, their permits do not limit them during emergencies. The CEO, Jeff Szabo, said they will alter those rules when the permits are re-issued. Meanwhile, irrigation well or not, please observe the odd/even watering schedule for your lawns and gardens. Thanks!

SOUTH FERRY DISCOUNTS

Trustee Peter Boody and I met with Cliff Clark, owner and operator of the South Ferry, to discuss discounts for North Haven residents on his ferry. Happy to report there is a substantial discount available if you purchase a multi trip book. Here's the skinny:

Regular passenger car one way trip is currently $18. A book of 10 tickets is $115. That's $11.50/trip, or a discount of almost 40%. Same 40% discount applies to roundtrip books: Regular $25, book price is $150 for 10 trips — $15 each r/t.  

Quite a substantial discount. Passenger discounts also available. The books can be purchased onboard with cash or check, and by debit/credit in the office at the South dock. 

The Clark family has been on Shelter Is. since 1716. They lived across the street from the Havens family and the Clark boys married the Havens girls. They have been transporting horses, carts, Model T's and A's and modern vehicles for hundreds of years from Shelter Is. to Sag Harbor and now North Haven. An amazing history that I'm hoping Peter will highlight for us in upcoming Newsletters. 

Meanwhile, get your discount books — the tickets never expire!

LOVELADY PARK PROGRESS

Pleased to let you know a very generous resident has underwritten the footbridge over Cilli Pond — we have a design the CPF approved and are in the process of bidding. A wonderful gesture for which we are most grateful!

Additionally, the pollinator Labyrinth, a Sam Panton creation, is underway, and the parking area will be undertaken as soon as possible. We are currently seeking donations for the Labyrinth, as you will soon see Jackson Dodds' team planting thousands of dollars worth of plants and shrubs. The garden promises to be a wonderful addition to a beautiful greenspace. Bench and tree dedications are also welcome. Check the website loveladypark.org for further details.

225 FERRY ROAD

Thanks to all of you who wrote to me in support of the Ferry Road site and possible acquisition. Maria Moore, the Town Supervisor, will pursue the issue with the Town Council at their next Executive session. I am hopeful!

THE TICKMEISTER

Check out the front page article in this week's Express about our illustrious Deputy Mayor, Claas Abraham, and his singlehanded drive to champion the 4 poster program and substantially reduce our tick population. (also on 27east)!

If we had our own North Haven Medal of Freedom, I would award it to Claas!

RENTAL PERMIT CHARGES

I wish to clear up some misunderstanding about the rental permit fees we put into place for 2026. We issue a two year permit. The charge went to $250/yr, the first increase in over 10 years. In addition, we require a safety inspection. There have been devastating incidents in our area over the past few years that make safety a major priority. If you wish, we will send our Building Department to perform the inspection. If you choose that route, we charge $1500. But you can hire your own licensed architect or engineer to perform the inspection if you prefer. 

Regardless of who performs the inspection, it is a requirement for your permit. And please keep in mind the Village's tax dollars should not be spent for individual inspections; the renter should bear the responsibility. Your guests' safety as well as your own are very important to us. Smoke alarms and pool fences save lives!

OUR NEXT TRUSTEE MEETING

.....is Tuesday, August 18 at 5 pm, in person and Zoom. We will discuss the revised FAR code, improved safety around our roundabout, the efficacy of "no profile' boat lifts, the progress of our water committee and their environmentally focused emails, and a few code revisions. Please join us if you can!

Meanwhile, enjoy this hazy hot and humid month of August. Stay safe!! Keep hydrated!! Save irrigation water!! 

Chris

Chris Fiore

Mayor

Village News

North Haven’s Tick Control Program in the News

North Haven’s 4-Poster Tick Control Program was recently featured in the Sag Harbor Express, highlighting the remarkable success of the Village’s efforts to reduce the tick population and the work required to keep the program operating under current DEC regulations. With 20 stations deployed throughout North Haven, the program has helped make a measurable difference in our community while serving as an example of what effective, community-wide tick management can accomplish.

Read the full article: “A Bike, a Clipboard and the Dogged Determination of One Village Official Have Kept North Haven Nearly Tick Free.”

Cellular Service Update

Reliable cellular service remains one of the Village Board's priorities. While municipalities cannot require wireless carriers to build infrastructure, we continue to work with carriers, infrastructure providers, consultants, and neighboring municipalities to advocate for improved service throughout North Haven.

Macro Cell Sites

From a technical standpoint, a traditional macro cell tower located in North Haven would provide the most comprehensive improvement in wireless coverage throughout the Village. Verizon has contacted the Village directly in the past regarding the possibility of such a facility, and it is reasonable to assume that other wireless carriers and tower operators would also be interested in utilizing a macro site if one became available.


However, given the concerns expressed by many residents and trustees regarding the visual and environmental impacts of a new tower, this option has not advanced. As a result, what would likely be the most effective and controllable solution for improving cellular coverage remains off the table.

Regional Developments

The Village continues to monitor wireless infrastructure discussions in neighboring communities.

Sag Harbor Village continues to explore options for a future macro site that could improve wireless coverage along the southern portion of North Haven. Likewise, Shelter Island continues evaluating improvements to its wireless infrastructure that could potentially enhance coverage in the northern part of our Village.

At this time, however, neither municipality has presented a specific proposal, approved location, or construction schedule. Consequently, there is no reliable information available regarding whether or when either project may move forward.

T-Mobile Small Cell Deployment

T-Mobile continues to have the most advanced plans for improving cellular coverage within North Haven. Earlier planning called for a series of small cell installations along Route 114 to improve service throughout the northern portion of the Village.

Since those plans were first presented, Crown Castle has sold its nationwide small cell business to Arium Networks, creating some uncertainty regarding the status of previously proposed deployments. At this time, the Village has not received confirmation that the original deployment plans or timeline remain unchanged.

Even if the previously proposed small cell network is ultimately constructed, it would primarily improve service in the northern portion of North Haven. Coverage challenges in the southern section of the Village would still largely depend on the construction of a future macro site in the Sag Harbor area.

Verizon

To date, Verizon has not committed to deploying any small cell sites within North Haven. Through Ace Telecom Consulting, discussions regarding a potential Verizon small cell deployment have continued, but Verizon has not indicated that it intends to proceed with such a project.

Separately, Verizon has previously expressed direct interest to the Village in a traditional macro site, which remains its preferred engineering solution for providing comprehensive wireless coverage.

Where Things Stand Today ...

In summary, T-Mobile's proposed small cell deployment remains the most advanced project currently under discussion. However, we are unable to confirm whether the project remains on its original schedule following the transfer of Crown Castle's small cell business to Arium Networks. Even if completed, the deployment would not fully address coverage challenges in the southern portion of North Haven.

Verizon has not committed to a small cell deployment within the Village and continues to view a traditional macro site as the preferred long-term solution.

Should Sag Harbor and Shelter Island ultimately proceed with new macro cell sites, North Haven could benefit significantly from improved coverage extending into our Village from both the south and the north. While there are currently no approved projects or construction schedules for either municipality, the combination of those regional macro sites together with a future T-Mobile small cell deployment in North Haven would likely provide the most comprehensive improvement in cellular service available without constructing a macro tower within North Haven itself.

The Village Board will continue working with wireless carriers, infrastructure providers, our telecommunications consultants, and neighboring municipalities to advocate for improved cellular service. As additional information becomes available, we will continue to keep residents informed.

Board of Trustees Meeting Recaps

Board of Trustees Meeting Recap - July 21, 2026

Proposed Floor Area Ratio Amendments

The Board reviewed a revised proposal to amend the Village's Floor Area Ratio (FAR) regulations. The proposal would maintain the existing calculation for principal residences while reducing the allowable accessory floor area from 15% to 10%. It would also establish a maximum total residential floor area of 12,000 square feet.

Following discussion, the Board voted to schedule a public hearing on the proposed local law for August 18, 2026, providing residents with an opportunity to comment before any final action is taken.

Public Hearings

The Board held a public hearing on a proposed dock at 11 Robertson Drive. Although revisions were made to bring the application into compliance with Village requirements, the Board continued the hearing pending additional review, including Suffolk County Planning Commission input and further evaluation of beach access.

The Board also held a public hearing on a chicken coop application at 28 Sunset Beach Road. Following discussion, the Board approved the application, subject to Planning Board review and approval.

Village Finances

The Board reviewed monthly budget and revenue reports, approved claim vouchers, and authorized routine financial and administrative actions. Trustees also approved personnel agreements for the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year and other items necessary for the continued operation of Village government.

Board Actions

The Board approved the following resolutions:

• Approved the chicken coop application at 28 Sunset Beach Road, subject to Planning Board review and approval.

• Authorized the Mayor to sign the 2026 to 2027 personnel agreements.

• Authorized the Clerk Treasurer to attend the New York Conference of Mayors Fall Training School.

• Authorized payment for the Tyndall Road speed hump construction project.

• Scheduled and authorized publication of a public hearing on the proposed Floor Area Ratio local law.

• Authorized payment of accrued leave to George Butts III upon his retirement.

• Authorized the transfer of funds from the Park and Recreation tennis court renovation project back to the General Fund.

• Approved a salary adjustment for the Village Code Enforcement Officer.

• Approved refunds for duplicate property tax payments.

• Accepted Glenn Lawton's resignation from the Board of Architectural Review, appointed him as an alternate member, and appointed Zachary Crawford to fill the vacant Board position.

Low Profile Boat Lifts

The Board continued its discussion regarding whether low profile boat lifts should be permitted within the Village. Trustees agreed additional information would be beneficial before considering any amendments to the Village Code and will invite a manufacturer to present the technology at a future meeting.

Schoolhouse Property

The Board received an update on the proposed sale of the former Schoolhouse property. Legal work continues to address deed restrictions dating back to the 1950s before the property can be offered through a public auction. If those issues are resolved, the Village hopes to move forward with the sale later this year.

Cell Service Improvements

The Board received an update on ongoing efforts to improve cellular coverage throughout North Haven. The Village continues to work with its telecommunications consultant, wireless carriers, and regional partners to identify practical solutions that will improve service for residents and emergency responders.

Variance Policy

The Board discussed a proposed amendment to the Village Code that would extend the period for obtaining a building permit following approval of a zoning variance from one year to three years. The proposed change would provide property owners with additional flexibility while aligning North Haven's regulations more closely with neighboring municipalities.

225 Ferry Road

The Board received an update on efforts to preserve 225 Ferry Road as open space. Discussions continue with the Town of Southampton regarding funding needed to acquire the property, which would further protect the area surrounding Cilli Farm and Lovelady Park. Residents who support the project were encouraged to express their views publicly.

Next Meeting

The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for:

Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Organizational Meeting Recap – July 7, 2026

The Village Board held its annual Organizational Meeting on July 7, marking the beginning of the new municipal year. Mayor Chris Fiore, Trustee E. Dianne Skilbred, and Trustee Claas Abraham were officially sworn into office following their re-election. 

Mayor Fiore reappointed Claas Abraham to serve as Deputy Mayor and E. Dianne Skilbred as Park Commissionerfor terms expiring June 30, 2027. The Board also approved its annual appointments for Village staff, consultants, and members of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Architectural Review Board. 

As part of its annual organizational business, the Board adopted a series of routine resolutions to ensure the continued operation of Village government.

The Board also scheduled the next Organizational Meeting for July 7, 2027, and announced that its next Regular Meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Village Hall. 

Upcoming Village Meetings

Recordings, Minutes and Agendas can be found here 🔗

Editor - Deputy Mayor – Claas Abraham

Feature Editor - Trustee - Peter Boody

 Mayor – Chris Fiore

Trustees – Dianne Skilbred, Max Rohn

Clerk - Beth Kamper