TOWN BOARD SUCCESSFULLY REDUCES SPEED LIMIT ON ROADS OF CONCERN
2025 • END OF YEAR | eNEWSLETTER
SOUTHAMPTON
SOUTHAMPTON TOWN BOARD
At the November 25 Town Board Meeting, the Town Board unanimously passed Res. No. 2025-1429, lowering the speed limit from 30 to 25 on three roads of concern in the North Sea and Tuckahoe area. Many constituents have brought up concerns about traffic safety on Big Fresh Pond Road, Lake Side Drive, and Parrish Road in previous years. A study had been published in July 2023 as per Town Board determination in 2022. Some of the main recommendation include ‘enhanced signage and the lowering of the speed limit.’ Many areas of the road have significant curves making it difficult to respond if traveling at fast speeds. One alarming finding of the study stated, the accident data analysis found 19 crashes in the study area and on adjacent roadways (Nelson & Pope, 13). Though the crashes referenced were not fatal, it is what triggered the Board to take the recommendations seriously and act. Councilmember Iasilli, who brought this matter to the Board for consideration, stated, “This is a great step forward in addressing traffic safety on these critical roadways. Not only does this legislation reduce the speed limit on these roads but also addresses some of the other key concerns outlined in the study’s recommendations. I want to commend Town Engineer Tom Houghton for his work on this and corresponding with the many constituents who urged the Town to examine the area,” commented Councilmember Iasilli. Councilmember Bill Pell stated, “This is a great measure that makes the community safer. I am happy to support these efforts.” Supervisor Maria Moore also commented, “This showed us how our process can take shape in examining requests for speed limit changes, and will guide us in the future when additional requests come in.”
Maria Z. Moore, Supervisor Cyndi McNamara, Councilwoman | Rick Martel, Councilman Michael A. Iasilli, Councilmember | William Pell IV, Councilman
A MESSAGE FROM SUPERVISOR MARIA Z. MOORE As we close out the year, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all our Town employees and the many civic leaders who devote their time, talent and energy to serving Southampton. Your commitment to our community is seen every day and deeply appreciated. As we look ahead to the new year, I am confident that together we will continue to make meaningful progress for the residents we serve. I wish each of you and your families a healthy, restorative and joyful holiday season. With warm regards,
Supervisor Maria Moore
WATER DISTRICT PROJECT UPDATES The Hampton Bays Water District is moving forward with the next phase of its comprehensive 10-year master plan, implementing major infrastructure upgrades designed to enhance system performance, water quality, and long-term resiliency for the entire community. A key component of the district’s ongoing improvements is the installation of a state-ofthe-art Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. This modernized digital platform will significantly strengthen cyber-security protections, improve real-time monitoring, and enhance operational efficiency across all district facilities.
PET HEALTH AWARENESS RAISED ON PET VAX & LICENSING DAY On September 30, Councilmember Michael Iasilli and Town Clerk Sundy Schermeyer teamed up for a town-wide initiative to enhance awareness on dog licensing and rabies vaccination requirements. Public Safety Director Ryan Murphy joined to address how the initiative aims to improve community health and reverse the recent decline in dog license registration. Supporting the Town was Southampton Animal Shelter, which assists the community by providing affordable veterinary care, and John Di Leonardo from Humane Long Island.
In addition, the district has launched a water-meter changeout program to replace aging meters with contemporary, highly accurate models. These upgrades will ensure precise flow measurement, support improved water-volume tracking, and help customers better understand and manage their water use. The district is also preparing to begin work on a new test well in December. The results of this exploratory project will determine the feasibility of developing a new well site that would further improve the delivery of high-quality potable water and bolster fire-protection capabilities for residents and businesses. Through its stringent and proactive water-management practices, the Hampton Bays Water District has consistently demonstrated its ability to provide safe, clean, and reliable drinking water to all customers. With these continued investments, the district remains committed to advancing its system to the highest standard possible—today and for the future.
www.southamptontownny.gov
GROUND BROKEN FOR WESTHAMPTON COMMUNITY CENTER On Tuesday, December 2, Southampton Town officials held a formal groundbreaking event for the new and long-awaited Westhampton Community Center. At 11:00 a.m., representatives from the Town placed ceremonial shovels into the soil at 393 Mill Road in Westhampton. In doing so, they begin to fill a nearly two-decade void that began for the greater Westhampton area when the previous senior center had become dilapidated beyond repair. Located on the former Bauer property, whose five and a half acres the Town purchased in August 2008, the $8 million construction project will take place throughout 2026. When completed, the facility’s 9,000 square feet will feature offices, game rooms, a multipurpose “flex space,” senior lunches, and activities sponsored by the Town’s Youth Bureau and Division of Senior Services. It will also have space available for the Arthur Ellis Hamm Memorial American Legion Post 834. For more information about the project, including public presentations and site renderings, please visit www.southamptontownny.gov/2201/Westhampton-Activity-Center.
MOODY’S RE-AFFIRMS SOUTHAMPTON TOWN’S AAA CREDIT RATING In its investor report dated October 3, Moody’s reaffirmed the Town of Southampton’s Aaa rating, the highest rating issued by the investment service, and specifically noted the Town’s: o Ample reserves and liquidity o Manageable debt burden o Strong fiscal management and conservative budgeting o Strong local economy The report follows a presentation to the rating agency by Town Supervisor Maria Moore and Comptroller Dorothy Godlewski on September 24, and marks the tenth consecutive year of this highest achievement for the Town from various credit agencies. The Aaa rating will afford the Town a very favorable interest rate when it goes to the financial markets to fund $12,065,000 in 2025 capital projects. Moody’s report praised Southampton Town’s strong financial position and noted that “conservative budgeting and sound fiscal management has led the town to maintaining very stable reserves and liquidity over the past five years.” Supervisor Moore noted, “Moody’s continues to recognize the strong fiscal management and conservative budgeting practices of this administration. I am so proud that the policies and practices put into place over the years by our financial management team, with the support of the Town Board, have enabled us to maintain the highest level of financial achievement.” “We continue to budget and to forecast revenues conservatively. Moody’s report confirms the value of these sound financial practices,” added Comptroller Dorothy Godlewski.