May 30, 2025

Dear Neighbors:

On May 28th, Deputy Mayor Pam Pierce and I had the pleasure of meeting with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul to request state funding for the seawall reconstruction. Thanks to Village Photographer Dee Lento, we were able to show her the condition of the wall as well as how bad it can be during storm conditions. Her response to the poster was "This is not good." I am optimistic that this meeting, in conjunction with multiple letters I have written to her, will result in support from the State as soon as the Village is ready to reconstruct the seawall. I thank resident John Murn for arranging this critical meeting.

Congratulations to Village resident Dora Fields who was named the valedictorian for Northport High School. Earlier in the year Dora also earned second place in the Plant Sciences category at the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. In recognition of her outstanding work, Dora was awarded a $2,400 scholarship. The fair is the world's largest pre-college science competition. The ISEF welcomed more than 1,800 student researchers from over 80 countries. She was also a semifinalist in the Regeneron Science Talent search. If that is not impressive enough, Dora was also named a Newsday Hometown Hero for founding Strands for Sustainability, an international nonprofit that has donated over 700 inches of hair to Matter of Trust, which recycles the hair into mats used to absorb petrochemicals from oil spills. We wish Dora much success at Yale next year.

The Village will be holding a public hearing at the Board meeting on Tuesday, June 3rd to solicit comments on Verizon's performance as an internet, phone and cable provider. If you prefer you can submit written comments to mglennon@asharokenny.org.

The Village mailed out next year's tax bills this week. The taxes are payable without penalty through Tuesday, July 1st. After July 1st, there is a 5% penalty for the first month and a 1% penalty for each subsequent month that the taxes are late.

I have noticed during my walks that many people have taken the time to cut the trunks of vines growing on trees. If you have not had a chance to do this yet please consider getting it done.

Wishing you a nice weekend,
Mayor Dr. Gregory Letica

May 23, 2025

Dear Neighbors:

Linda and I would like to wish you a very happy Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of summer. This is a solemn holiday when we honor all those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in defense of our country. Their patriotism, and that of all the country's veterans, is why America is still the greatest country in the world, with liberty and freedom for all. Please take a moment over the weekend to remember those who lost their lives in the name of freedom.

The Village of Northport has a Memorial Day parade scheduled for Monday at 10am and a moving ceremony in the park following the parade. It is a great way to celebrate our heroes.

I was asked by the NYS DEC to remind residents about the protocol for Piping Plover nests on the beaches. The plovers are an endangered species and nest on our beaches in the spring and summer. Once three to four eggs are laid, it takes about three to four weeks for the chicks to hatch. Once hatched the chicks are self-reliant and stop using the nest. During that time, the DEC usually places a rope fence around the nest site and a caged enclosure over the nest to protect the eggs from predators. People who do not respect the restricted areas are also threats to the birds, as are dogs that are allowed to run off leash — which is in violation of Village code. Recently, the plovers abandoned two nests as a result of actions such as these.

I hope that if you are lucky enough to have the birds choose your property to nest, you will embrace the process. We are all stewards of a spectacular part of the world and should do our part to preserve it. Co-existing with wildlife is a big component of this. The plovers need our help and support. I thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

The Village will hold a public hearing to solicit comments about the service provided by Verizon to Village residents. Following the hearing the Village will consider renewing its five year franchise agreement with Verizon. A copy of the franchise agreement is available at Village Hall for your review. I look forward to your comments either at the hearing or by email to mglennon@asharokenny.org

Have a great holiday weekend!
Mayor Dr. Gregory Letica

May 16, 2025

Dear Neighbors:

Trees are one of the most important natural resources that live in Asharoken. Unfortunately, many of those trees are being overgrown by ivy. The ivy is very detrimental to the tree's health and can eventually kill the tree. Fortunately, there is a simple solution. All that has to be done is cut the ivy stems at the base of the tree and allow the vine to die. One caveat, before you do this be careful to determine that the vine being cut is not poison ivy. Please check the trees in your yard and help them out by cutting the vines. It's easy, quick and will keep your trees healthy and the Village looking beautiful for years to come.

NYS mandated that starting in 2025 everyone who operates a boat must take a safe boating course and have a certificate of completion with them on the boat. The fine for failing to take the course is $250. Village resident Bob Hoey informed me that there is a full day course available Saturday at St. Paul's church in Northport. It's being held Saturday, May 17 from 8:30am-4:30pm. If you are interested in more information the phone number is 516-730-6145 or by email ship270northport@gmail.com.

2025 seems to be the year of the Baltimore Oriole and Bevin Road is a real hot spot. Orioles are gorgeous orange and black birds with a very distinct and easy to learn call. Their nests are suspended like a basketball net from a high-up branch and stand out from any other North American bird. One nest is actually suspended right over the middle of Bevin Road. Orioles like to feed on oranges and grape jelly which you can put out to attract them. When you see one you will appreciate the effort it took to find it.

I wish everyone a very nice weekend,
Mayor Dr. Gregory Letica