Village Newsletter

Letter from Mayor Chris Fiore

WELCOME SPRING AT LOVELADY!

WE’RE PLANNING A SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH NORTH HAVEN

SUNDAY, MAY 17, FROM NOON TO THREE!

LOVELADY PARK.  19 Sunset Beach Road

The Parks committee and the 501 members have planned a Community gathering and Fundraiser for the Park! BBQ with renowned staff chefs Abraham and Boody, Wolffer wine (and non-alcoholic drinks), live music and tons of fun ideas for kids…..ice cream, hay rides, cornhole, cool face painter. A fun Puppet show, First Responder vehicles new and old………plus a 

Brilliant  SILENT AUCTION  with 40+ items to bid on!!  Donations are tax deductible and all proceeds support the Park!

Just some auction items….

Art, Golf, Personal care,  spectacular restaurants, Blade heli commute, and much more!! 

Auction opens May 8,instructions will follow,  final bids at the event (online or in person) 

SAVE THE DATE: Sunday May 17 12 – 3!

SEE YOU UNDER THE TENT!!

CHRIS FIORE

MAYOR

Village News

Beach Grass, Bare Hands, and a Bit of Civic Sand

Easter Saturday, North Haven proved once again that big impact doesn’t require a big crowd - just the right mix of community spirit, a few shovels, and a willingness to get a little sandy.

A small but mighty group of residents - ranging from the youngest future environmentalists to some very experienced dune enthusiasts - gathered at North Haven Point Beach to plant beach grass along the shoreline. Their mission: help stabilize the dunes, protect the coastline, and give Mother Nature a bit of a helping hand.

Chris Remkus, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were on hand as well - not just for moral support, but fully committed to the cause. Sleeves were rolled up, hands were plunged into the sand, and yes… things got a little gritty (in the best way possible). It turns out dune grass doesn’t plant itself, and elected officials are not exempt from manual labor.

There’s something refreshingly honest about a morning spent planting beach grass: no speeches, no ceremony - just neighbors working side by side, doing something tangible for the place we all call home.

The effort was organized in partnership with Group for the East End, a longtime local nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring the East End’s natural environment. Their team helped coordinate the planting and provided guidance on proper dune restoration techniques, ensuring the project was both effective and environmentally sound.

This work is more than just a good deed - it’s also a requirement. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) now mandates beach grass planting in areas like this following restoration work, as it plays a critical role in stabilizing dunes, preventing erosion, and protecting our shoreline from storm impacts.

A big thank you to everyone who participated. The dunes - and your shoes - may never be quite the same again.

East End Supervisors and Mayors Lunch in Southold

Mayor Chris Fiore and Deputy Mayor Claas Abraham attended the April 8 meeting of the East End Supervisors and Mayors Association in Southold, where regional leaders gathered to discuss key environmental and legislative priorities.

North Haven Village Water Quality Committee — Spring 2026 Update

As we move into the spring season, the North Haven Village Water Quality Committee, led by Village Trustee Max Rohn, continues to advance a number of important initiatives aimed at protecting and improving the health of our local waterways, shorelines, and natural habitats.

Earlier this month, the committee partnered with the Group for the East End, the North Haven Point Homeowners Association, and the Genet Creek Association for beach grass plantings at North Haven Point Beach - an important step in stabilizing dunes and protecting our shoreline.

The Village has also taken a significant step toward addressing stormwater runoff by submitting a grant application to the Town of Southampton Community Preservation Fund Water Quality Improvement Program. If approved, this funding would support the repair and upgrade of a failing drainage system at Coves End Lane - helping to reduce runoff impacting local waterways.

In partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, the Village, led by Jim McCarthy, has entered into a formal agreement to conduct a water quality testing program at Genet Creek. This initiative will provide valuable data to better understand local water conditions, and the committee is actively working to expand the number of testing sites throughout North Haven.

Looking ahead, the committee is developing a new community communications program in collaboration with the Group for the East End. This effort will include seasonal outreach emails, educational events, and informational materials designed to help residents make informed decisions that protect the Peconic Estuary. Topics will include responsible boating practices, bay-friendly landscaping, and everyday actions that contribute to cleaner water.

Finally, the committee is planning a special community event on July 23 at Village Hall featuring Edwina von Gal, founder of the Perfect Earth Project.

On site at Coves End Lane

A Second Life for a Beloved Piece of North Haven

Sometimes, preserving a known piece of our community requires a bit of timing, care - and a lot of heart. In this case, that effort was sparked by North Haven resident April Gornik, whose initiative helped ensure that a remarkable work of local craftsmanship would not be lost. With the support and approval of the Village of North Haven, the project reflects a shared commitment to preserving our local heritage.

Originally commissioned by North Haven resident Jeanette Wagner for her home at 10 Ferry Road, a custom iron fence designed and crafted by local artist John Battle was carefully salvaged and relocated to The Church in Sag Harbor. Rather than being discarded during demolition, the fence has been thoughtfully preserved - thanks in part to The Church board member Moisés Cerdas and an enthusiastic approval from the Village of Sag Harbor - and is now being reinstalled by the artist himself. The effort also honors Jeanette Wagner’s deep appreciation for the shared history of both villages.

The work reflects a long-standing creative partnership. As Battle noted, the fence would not have been possible without his assistant, Franklin Paucar, with whom he collaborated for 23 years.

Board of Trustees Meeting Recaps

Board of Trustees Special Meeting Recap

April 14, 2026

The Board of Trustees held a Special Meeting on April 14 to conduct two required public hearings and take action on the upcoming fiscal year budget.

Public hearings were held on (1) a local law to override the New York State 2% tax cap and (2) the Village’s 2026–2027 Budget. No residents attended either in person or via Zoom, and no public comments were received. 

Following the hearings, the Board adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2026, authorizing the Village to exceed the state-imposed tax levy limit if necessary. The Board also approved the 2026–2027 Budget, with total General Fund expenditures set at approximately $2.79 million. 

The adopted budget will take effect June 1, 2026.

Board of Trustees – Regular Meeting Recap

April 21, 2026

• Building Code (GFA/FAR) – Revisited:
• Following significant public feedback, the Board agreed to rework the proposed Gross Floor Area (FAR) changes rather than move forward as originally drafted. A revised approach will be developed with input from residents, real estate professionals, and other stakeholders, with a new proposal expected in the coming months. 
• Public Hearings – Multiple Code Updates:
• The Board continued and/or closed several public hearings related to zoning and code updates, including definitions (Ch. 163-5), maximum lot coverage (Ch. 163-13), and noise regulations. A separate hearing on projections into required lots (Ch. 163-34) remains open for further review.
• Dock Application – 61 Ferry Road:
• The Board approved the dock application, determining that all necessary information had been provided and no objections remained. 
• Noise Regulations (Leaf Blowers):
• Updated regulations were adopted, including $500 fines for violations of seasonal restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers. 
• Village Property – 184 Ferry Road:
• The Board approved moving forward with the sale of Village-owned property, authorizing the Mayor to execute the transaction with a minimum value of approximately $989,000. 
• Financial Update:
• The Board reviewed and approved April claims totaling $69,151.04 (General Fund) and $3,234.25 (Trust & Agency), along with budget transfers, budget and revenue status reports, and bank reconciliation summaries for February and March. 
• Refunds Approved:
• The Board authorized building permit fee refunds and a leaf pickup assessment refund as outlined in the meeting resolutions. 
• Road Improvements – Tyndall Road:
• The Board awarded a contract for speed tables installation, continuing efforts to address traffic safety concerns. 
• Resolutions:
• Dock Application – 61 Ferry Road: Approved
• Local Law (Ch. 163-5 – Definitions & Word Usage): Approved
• Local Law (Ch. 163-13 – Maximum Lot Coverage): Tabled
• Local Law (Ch. 112-4 – Noise): Approved
• Refund – Building Permit Fees: Approved
• Refund – Leaf Assessment Fee: Approved
• Sale of Property – 184 Ferry Road: Approved
• Award RFP – Speed Humps (Tyndall Road): Approved

Board of Trustees – Work Session Recap

April 23, 2026

• Reserve Fund Planning:
• The Board discussed how to best manage upcoming funds from the potential sale of the Schoolhouse property and other park-related revenues. Rather than creating multiple restricted funds, the Board agreed to move forward with a general repair reserve fund - a more flexible and practical option for funding major capital improvements such as roofs and infrastructure. Draft policy language is now in progress. 
• Green Subdivision Update:
• The long-running subdivision project is nearing completion. These funds will be directed to the Park Fund. 
• Schoolhouse Property Sale:
• The Board reviewed next steps for the sale of the Schoolhouse property. The process will move forward as an open bidding process, with a minimum price set at approximately $1.05 million. Interest has already been received, and the goal is to ensure a transparent and competitive sale. 
• Community Events:
• Planning continues for Lovelady Park fundraiser on May 17 (12–3 PM) featuring music, food, a silent auction and activities to support the park.
• Additionally, an ecological gardening program with Edwina von Gal is scheduled for July 23, offering guidance on sustainable landscaping practices.
• Village Code Update:
• The Board approved scheduling a public hearing on May 19 at 5:00 PM to repeal a portion of Chapter 163-5 due to conflicts with the building code. 
• Upcoming Special Meeting:
• A special meeting has been scheduled for May 11 at 9:30 AM to address the proposed repeal in a timely manner. 

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