ANNOUNCEMENTS
*CANCELLED* Ocean Beach COVID-19 Testing is cancelled for Thurs., 9/9/2021
COVID TESTING FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 IS CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF RESERVATIONS. OUR APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.
COVID TESTING for employees and the public will be conducted every Thursday, beginning August 19th at the Ferry Terminal Boat House. By appointment only! Please click the link below to schedule and appointment:
LINK: https://accutest-19.net/register.aspx?lid=218
Mayor's Executive Order #11.6 - Face Masks Required 4/23/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 11.6 - Face Masks Required 4/23/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 11.5 - Face Masks Required 4/18/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 11.4 - Face Masks Required 4/13/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 11.3 - Face Masks Required 4/8/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 11.2 - Face Masks Required 4/3/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 11.1 - Face Masks Required 3/29/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 10.6 - Face Masks Required 3/24/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 10.5 - Face Masks Required 3/19/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 10.4 - Face Masks Required 3/14/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 10.3 - Face Masks Required 3/9/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 10.2 - Face Masks Required 3/4/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 10.1 - Face Masks Required 2/28/2021
Emergency Declaration 2/28/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 9.6 - Face Masks Required 2/23/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 9.5 - Face Masks Required 2/18/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 9.4 - Face Masks Required 2/13/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 9.3 - Face Masks Required 2/8/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 9.2 - Face Masks Required 2/3/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 9.1 - Face Masks Required 1/29/2021
Emergency Declaration 1/29/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 8.6 - Face Masks Required 1/24/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 8.5 - Face Masks Required 1/19/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 8.4 - Face Masks Required 1/14/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 8.3 - Face Masks Required 1/9/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 8.2 - Face Masks Required 1/4/2021
Mayor’s Executive Order 8.1 - Face Masks Required 12/30/2020
Emergency Declaration 12/30/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 7.6 - Face Masks Required 12/25/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 7.5 - Face Masks Required 12/20/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 7.4 - Face Masks Required 12/15/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 7.3 - Face Masks Required 12/10/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 7.2 - Face Masks Required 12/5/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 7.1 - Face Masks Required 11/30/2020
Emergency Declaration - 11/30/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 6.6 - Face Masks Required 11/25/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 6.5 - Face Masks Required 11/20/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 6.4 - Face Masks Required 11/15/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 6.3 - Face Masks Required 11/10/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 6.2 - Face Masks Required 11/5/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 6.1 - Face Masks Required 10/31/2020
Emergency Declaration 10/31/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 5.6 - Face Masks Required 10/26/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 5.5 - Face Masks Required 10/21/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 5.4 - Face Masks Required 10/16/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 5.3 - Face Masks Required 10/11/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 5.2 - Face Masks Required 10/6/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 5.1 - Face Masks Required 10/1/2020
Emergency Declaration 10/1/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 4.6 - Face Masks Required 9/26/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 4.5 - Face Masks Required 9/21/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 4.4 - Face Masks Required 9/16/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 4.3 - Face Masks Required 9/11/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 4.2 - Face Masks Required 9/6/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 4.1 - Face Masks Required 9/1/2020
Emergency Declaration 9/1/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 3.6 - Face Masks Required 8/27/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 3.5 - Face Masks Required 8/22/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 3.4 - Face Masks Required 8/17/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 3.3 - Face Masks Required 8/12/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 3.2 - Face Masks Required 8/7/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order 3.1 - Face Masks Required 8/2/2020
Emergency Declaration 8/2/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order #2.6 - Face Masks Required 7/28/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order #2.5 - Face Masks Required 7/23/2020
Mayor’s Executive Order #2.4 - Face Masks Required 7/18/2020
Mayor's Executive Order #2.3 - Face Masks Required 7/13/2020
Mayor's Executive Order #2.2 - Face Masks Required 7/8/2020
Mayor's Executive Order #2.1 - Face Masks Required 7/3/2020
Village Office is OPEN to the Public 11/18/2020
Village Office is Open to the Public 11/18/2020
** CANCELLED ** - Nov. 14, 2020 Board of Trustees Meeting
PUBLIC NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Due to the first reported case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) of a full time resident and out of an abundance of caution, the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Ocean Beach have cancelled the Board Meeting scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2020, which was scheduled to take place at the Village Office, 315 Cottage Walk, Ocean Beach, NY at 12:00 pm. Please be assured we are taking all precautions and following the appropriate guidelines.
Steven W. Brautigam, Village Clerk/Treasurer
Village & OBA Update 5/5/2020
May 5, 2020
To: All Ocean Beach Residents
With so much still unknown and with our recent realization that the Downstate region, Long Island in particular, will most likely NOT be re-opening on May 15th, we thought it would be helpful to share with you some of the complex issues and potential solutions being discussed. Many of these decision points will be determined by Governor Cuomo and Suffolk County Steve Bellone. With that said, there will of course be some level of interpretation for Fire Island, and for Ocean Beach. Ocean Beach is working with all of the other communities on Fire Island to ensure a consistent response.
WE REALIZE THESE ARE NOT ANSWERS, BUT WANTED YOU TO KNOW THE MAGNITUDE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE DECISIONS TO BE MADE.
Here are the key categories of consideration:
1. We must ensure a consistent response across Fire Island to optimize our health and safety.
2. Beach Access – can we/should we limit access to our beaches to residents/taxpayers/business employees? Can we/should we limit activities? Will lifeguards be in place? Enforcement of social distancing? Hours of beach access?
3. Short term (weekly) rentals and AirBnB rentals – should we consider a longer minimum rental? Prohibit AirBnB and VRBO? Should we consider further limiting the number of unrelated people in a group house?
4. Bar/Restaurant Occupancy – will occupancy levels be reduced to allow for social distancing? What additional sanitizing/cleaning will be required? If restaurants are allowed to serve customers, will alcohol takeout be eliminated? What happens if an employee contracts Covid 19?
5. Ferry access/capacity/schedule – boarding/unboarding process to ensure social distancing, boat capacity, passenger baggage, schedule, additional freight services
6. Summer camp/ OBYG / other activities – will we have camps this summer? Any restrictions on age groups or activities? What about other planned activities such as softball and basketball leagues, concerts, etc?
7. Streets – how to ensure social distancing on our narrow streets? Weekends are major concern. Minimize cart use, eliminate trailer use
As decisions are made, and policy developed, we will communicate widely. We are all participating on multiple calls daily and working on many committees and task forces to strategize and resolve these urgent and very important issues.
Our absolute focus is on health and safety; we are also trying to balance the needs and concerns of our many stakeholders which are varied and often in conflict with each other.
Thank you for your patience during these turbulent times, and please stay safe.
Ocean Beach Mayor , Jimmy Mallott
Ocean Beach Association, President Maria Silsdorf
OBFD Chief, Ian Levine
OBPD Chief, George Hesse
EMS Captain, Dale Wyckoff
OBA Coronavirus Update 5/1/2020
Notes from the Beach
Brought to you by the
OCEAN BEACH ASSOCIATION
May 1, 2020
The Ocean Beach Association is a non-partisan, educational, civic organization, promoting the welfare of Ocean Beach, striving to improve the conditions in our village for over 50 years. We bring you news and information about Trustee meetings, public hearings, pending legislation, elections and the doings of Fire Island. We create the Ocean Beach Directory, sponsor the Windswept Sunset BYOB and the Fall Potluck, and welcome new homeowners. Our goals and concerns deal with issues within our community, our Village and Fire Island.
April 30, 2020
Coronavirus Update # 4
This past week, Governor Cuomo announced preliminary guidelines for re-opening by region and county as we get closer to May 15th. All are anxiously awaiting new guidance. Cuomo has said that re-opening the Downstate NY area which includes NYC, and Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties will be a coordinated effort with NJ and CT. Cuomo has also said that businesses will open in a phased approach, with construction and manufacturing reopening first, followed by a business by business approach that is based on a matrix of essential nature of business and vulnerability to the coronavirus.
Community leaders and elected officials from all Fire Island communities continue to work closely with the Suffolk County Executive and his team, representatives from the Towns of Islip and Brookhaven, FINS, the FIA, the Fire Island emergency response teams, Suffolk County PD, to identify and strategize the actions that need to be taken to re-open Fire Island.
Governor Cuomo is focused on “Reimagine New York” as we begin to explore the next phase or the “new normal” and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has established a Summer/Beaches Planning Workgroup to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach for all communities Ocean Beach is fortunate to be represented on this committee by Mayor Mallott, as well as other representatives from Fire Island, Islip and Suffolk including Angie Carpenter, Islip Town Supervisor and Ocean Beach resident, Mayor Zaccaro of Saltaire, Suzy Goldhirsch of FIA and Vern Henrickson, Fire Island Emergency Services Coordinator. Today, it was announced that there will be a separate sub-group focused on the unique challenges Fire Island presents.
Our message has not changed: We can not tell you not to go to your home on Fire Island at this time, but we strongly urge you to stay at your primary residence off the island. If you do plan to travel to Fire Island, please be sure you have self isolated for 14 days prior to your trip, and then plan to self isolate for another 14 days once on island. We are trying to discourage day and weekend visits.
There is a lot of information to share, so here goes:
Most importantly, our goal is to keep each other safe. Masks should be worn, social distancing should be maintained and alcohol cannot be consumed in public. If you see these basic rules being violated, please call the OBPD at 631-583-5866 in Ocean Beach. For other communities, please call 311 from a landline or 631-852-COPS from a cellphone. You may also call the Suffolk County Marine Bureau at 631-854-8382.
Covid 19 cases: One case has been reported by the Mayor of Saltaire. The patient is a sub-contractor who travelled to Fire Island by car, and who has now been quarantined on the mainland for 12 days. No other cases have been reported for Fire Island.
Beaches:
As per NY state executive order: Beaches are currently open for “passive use” only which means no swimming and no public restrooms. OB Lifeguards are expected to be in place for Memorial Day weekend, although we do not yet know what activities will be allowed and there will be new protocol to ensure social distancing. There will be new protocol for lifeguards and extensive training will be required. The various lifeguard groups across Fire Island are coordinating with each other and with county and state experts.
Medical Advisory Committee:
If you are a senior, or have an underlying medical condition, please seriously consider if Fire Island will be the best place for you. Northwell Clinics are currently planned to open Memorial Day weekend, however, based on the situation on the mainland, doctors may NOT be available to man these offices. We will see. Other doctor offices are also being re-evaluated. Helicopters will not handle Covid 19 patients.
Fire Island National Seashore:
Plans to have essential workers begin mid-May and seasonal workers at a later date. FINS is currently planning lifeguard services to begin July 4th weekend. This is obviously subject to change. Sailor’s Haven is expected to open on May 9th.
Fire Island Ferries:
Please note that Suffolk County is responsible for permitting and fees for ferry transportation. The Coast Guard is responsible for operations. The Coast Guard has not and is not expected to require social distancing on the ferry. Also, Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order specifically stated that social distancing may not be achievable on transportation.
A new schedule is in effect as of this Saturday, May 2nd Until Further Notice. Seaview begins service this Saturday as well.
Effective last Friday, April 17th, all ferry riders are required to wear a face mask or mouth and nose covering. Masks will not be provided and those not wearing face coverings will NOT be allowed to board. Masks are to be kept on at all times.
Freight on the passenger boats is a major concern and passenger baggage will be curtailed. The new schedule includes the notice that there is a new passenger cargo policy effective May 22nd. All non-essential items must now be shipped on the freight boat. Essential items are personal effects and perishables. Large wagons and large carts will not be accepted on passenger boats. Also, passengers will be limited to one trip through the gate. Additional freight boats may be necessary for passenger freight.
Social distancing is our responsibility. Maintain distance while waiting to board and unboarding, while on the ferry and choose your seat wisely. Water Taxis are available for hire, although passenger limits may be in effect.
Freight:
Please maintain social distancing while picking up freight. Contact Fire Island Ferries directly to confirm freight hours. ( If your package is not at freight, please also check the Post Office.)
Ferry Tickets:
Homeowner ferry ticket books can be picked up at the Village Office on Wednesdays only from 9 AM – 2 PM. Saturday hours will soon be added – please check the VOB website for updates. The USPS is not currently getting signatures on deliveries so the VOB is not willing to mail outside Ocean Beach at this time. They are only willing to mail to the Ocean Beach Post Office – either a PO Box or General Delivery.
Marina:
Mayor Mallott provided this guidance:
Transient marina is not open at this time.
Homeowners marina is open to permit holders only. Any homeowners using the marina should please advise OBPD.
Municipal marinas, according to Suffolk County Executive Bellone, are under the authority of the individual municipalities.
Store and Restaurant Update:
Ocean Beach Hardware is now open as is The Pantry. Maguire’s will be opening on May 7th for takeout.
Seaview Market continues to be open and is filling orders and delivering via Water Taxi to the western communities. CJs is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and Castaway is open Friday through Tuesday for takeout only.
Scoops is now offering 8 flavors of ice cream for takeout from Castaway. Island Mermaid/Dockside is open on weekends with takeout/delivery. At this time, the mainland supermarkets are not consistently delivering to Fire Island.
Construction:
Construction is now limited to one worker per jobsite. Village infrastructure and safety or hazard mitigation work may be allowed to have additional workers with prior approval.
Courtesy Cart:
Is not available at this time.
FIMI:
The FIMI project is considered “essential”, so once the barges return to OBP and POW, this work is expected to begin again. Equipment is arriving in OBP this weekend and barges are expected May 5th – 6th.
The Fire Island School is closed as per the Governor’s order. The Ocean Beach Village Office remains closed with employees working remotely as per the Governor’s order. The Post Office is open. Social distancing is required and wearing face coverings when in public is also required as per the Governor’s order.
We wish you all the very best,
Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home!
The Board of the Ocean Beach Association
Village of Ocean Beach 2020 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING DATES:
Saturday, May 16, 2020Saturday, June 13, 2020Saturday, July 11, 2020Saturday, August 15, 2020Saturday, September 12, 2020Saturday, October 17, 2020Saturday, November 14, 2020Saturday, December 12, 2020QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS: We would love to hear from you! If you have something to share, a suggestion or a concern, please call any member of the OBA Board or e-mail us from the link on www.villageofoceanbeach.org or directly, OCEANBEACHASSOCIATION@GMAIL.COM.
This is your community – keep these newsletters coming by joining the
Ocean Beach Association.
Dues can be mailed to PO Box 316 Ocean Beach NY 11770
Annual dues are only $ 35.00.
Sincerely,
Maria Silsdorf, Judy Gerardi, Craig Sherman, Gwen Silver, Edith Charlton, Linda Norris Stertz, Jon Randazzo, Pam Nornes and Chris Brahe
The Board of the Ocean Beach Association
Ocean Beach COVID-19 Update, April 30
Critical Information & Guidance for Homeowners and Visitors
The spread of Covid-19 has raised significant health and safety risks for Ocean Beach year-round and seasonal residents, as well as tourists seeking to come to the Village during the pandemic.
Although the Village of Ocean Beach remains accessible, to maintain public health and safety, the Village Administration urges homeowners and tourists to strongly consider the following information and guidance before visiting the Village:
· The Village has very limited emergency services and healthcare personnel. Please read the following procedures to follow in the event of a suspected illness.
1. If you think you have the coronavirus, please call your doctor, health care provider or before calling 911. They will advise if a hospital visit is recommended.
2. If a hospital visit is required, please consider the following:
a) If you have a FINS permit and can drive yourself, please do so. If someone in your home who has already been exposed can drive you and return, even better. They should be self-quarantining for 14 days. Please do NOT ask someone who has not been with you to drive you.
3. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, should you get on a ferry.
4. If you need transportation to a hospital from Fire Island, please call 911. The 911 Operator will take you through a series of questions, and if they determine you do need to go to the hospital, OBFD will be activated.
5. If possible, meet the responders outside your home and follow their instructions explicitly.
· A 14-day quarantine remains in place for all off-island visitors. March 25th, 2020 Mayors directive Covid-19 update: It’s recommended that all those who have been in NYC or anywhere for that matter, should quarantine for 14 days.
· All homeowners please check-in with the Ocean Beach Police upon arrival to the Village. This only applies to anyone staying here for any extended period of time so we know which houses are occupied in cases of emergency.
· Social distancing and the donning facial masks are required throughout the entire Village. NYS EO 202.17. Specifically applies to situations in public places where a person is unable to maintain or is not maintaining social distancing. (all persons over 2 years of age) Tickets may be written with a fine up to $1000.00
· For tourists seeking to explore the village, the administration strongly recommends that you reconsider your visit for a future date.
· For homeowners coming to Ocean Beach via private boat, the Village Administration requests that you check-in with the Ocean Beach police upon docking in the marina. The transient marina is closed until further notice.
· The village currently has very limited restaurant and grocery store availability for patronage for takeout only. Remember: The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in public places. VOBO: 145-9.A tickets may be issued.
· The Ocean Beach Village Office is open to telephone calls and email. Phone 631-583-5940, email info@villageofoceanbeach.org, or visit the Ocean Beach website at https://villageofoceanbeach.org
· For information on the Ocean Beach Youth Group, please contact by phone 631-583-5300, website www.obyg.org, email oceanbeachyouthgroup@yahoo.com
All subject to change as per NYS Governors Office.
OBA Coronavirus Update
Another week has passed, and NY Pause is still in effect through May 15. Downstate New York continues to be the epicenter of the Covid 19 outbreak including NYC, Suffolk and Nassau. Suffolk County has experienced significant growth in the number of cases and deaths in recent weeks.
Your elected officials and community leaders from Ocean Beach and across Fire Island are continuing to work together and closely with Suffolk County, FINS, our emergency response team and others to address the current situation and begin to strategize the future.
Governor Cuomo is focused on “Reimagine New York” as we begin to explore the next phase or the “new normal” and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has established a Summer/Beaches Planning Workgroup to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach for all communities Ocean Beach is fortunate to be represented on this committee by Mayor Mallott, as well as other representatives from Fire Island, Islip and Suffolk including Angie Carpenter, Islip Town Supervisor and Ocean Beach resident, Mayor Zaccaro of Saltaire, Suzy Goldhirsch of FIA and Vern Henrickson, Fire Island Emergency Services Coordinator.
Our message has not changed: We can not tell you not to go to your home on Fire Island at this time, but we strongly urge you to stay at your primary residence off the island. If you do plan to travel to Fire Island, please be sure you have self isolated for 14 days prior to your trip, and then plan to self isolate for another 14 days once on island.
We do have new information to share about our current situation and what the future may hold. Please understand that our situation is very fluid, with little known at this time about what will happen on or around May 15. Much of the future will be determined by Governor Cuomo.
Beaches:
As per NY state executive order: Beaches are currently open for “passive use” which means no swimming and no public restrooms.
Medical Advisory Committee:
A committee is being formed to evaluate what medical services may be available this summer and how protocol will be impacted by Covid 19. If you are a senior, or have an underlying medical condition, please seriously consider if Fire Island will be the best place for you. Northwell Clinics are currently planned to open Memorial Day weekend, however, based on the situation on the mainland, doctors may NOT be available to man these offices. We will see. Other doctor offices are also being re-evaluated.
Fire Island National Seashore:
Plans to have essential workers begin mid-May and seasonal workers at a later date. FINS is currently planning lifeguard services to begin July 4th weekend. This is obviously subject to change.
Fire Island Ferries:
The modified schedule for Ocean Beach remains in place with a very limited schedule. Ocean Beach can expect a new schedule in the next two weeks. Service to Seaview/Kismet/Dunewood will begin either the first or second weekend in May.
Effective last Friday, April 17th, all ferry riders are required to wear a face mask or mouth and nose covering. Masks will not be provided and those not wearing face coverings will NOT be allowed to board.
Freight on the passenger boats is a major concern and passenger baggage will be curtailed. The new policy will require that your baggage must fit under your seat. Additional benches are being added to the freight area to allow for social distancing. FIF will have an announcement out prior to Memorial Day weekend. Additional freight boats may be necessary for passenger freight.
Social distancing is our responsibility. Maintain distance while waiting to board and unboarding, while on the ferry and choose your seat wisely. Water Taxis are available for hire.
Freight:
Please maintain social distancing while picking up freight. Contact Fire Island Ferries directly to confirm freight hours.
Marina:
Mayor Mallott provided this guidance: Transient marina is not open at this time.
Homeowners marina is open to permit holders only.
Municipal marinas, according to Suffolk County Executive Bellone, are under the authority of the individual municipalities.
Store and Restaurant Update:
Seaview Market continues to be open and is filling orders and delivering via Water Taxi to the western communities. Mermaid Market/Dockside is also open to fill orders. CJs and Castaway are open weekends only for takeout. Scoops is now offering 8 flavors of ice cream for takeout from Castaway. Island Mermaid/Dockside will open this weekend with takeout/delivery. At this time, the mainland supermarkets are not consistently delivering to Fire Island.
Construction:
Construction is now limited to one worker per jobsite. Village infrastructure and safety or hazard mitigation work may be allowed to have additional workers with prior approval.
FIMI:
The FIMI project is considered “essential”, so once the barges return to OBP and POW, this work is expected to begin again.
The Fire Island School is closed as per the Governor’s order. The Ocean Beach Village Office remains closed with employees working remotely as per the Governor’s order. The Post Office is open. Social distancing is required and wearing face coverings when in public is also required as per the Governor’s order.
We wish you all the very best,
Stay safe, stay healthy, stay home!
The Board of the Ocean Beach Association
Fire Island Ferries Now Requires Face Coverings
In accordance with Governor Cuomo’s executive order, all passengers MUST wear a mask or face covering (which covers mouth & nose) at the ferry terminals and on the ferries.
If you do not have a mask, you WILL NOT be permitted on board.
Update from the Mayor
Updates on what your Village, the Board, and its workforce are doing during this very challenging time.
Dear Fellow Community Members and Residents,
I thought this would be a good time to share with you some of the things your Village, the Board and its workforce are doing during this very challenging time.
Before that, I want to extend my most sincere warm wishes to all your families who are struggling emotionally but hopefully not physically. I am unaware of any Village resident or employee who has any physical symptoms or is in any danger. I also want to say thank you to our Village staff. They are fantastic and a great source of pride, including some not part of Village employment like Dale and her crew next door at the Post Office.
Just like during Sandy, we are, have been and will rise above this as a community. We had some very dark days and nights back then but we came back stronger than ever. This will lessen and then pass at some point. Until then - everyone must practice the safe social patterns you know about. There is NO reason anyone has to get sick if we all do our part.
The streets are almost entirely empty here at the moment and we have Chief George and his small crew monitoring to make sure we have a handle on who is here. We intend to keep it that way for the near term until we see what direction we get from the County and State.
For quite some time now there have been regular and routine meetings between myself, the fire department, the police and EMS as well as more island wide and regional partners like the FIA and others. This group, known as “the island wide task force” has all of our best interests at its core. Any updates are shared with us quite rapidly. At this moment, there is nothing critical to report on that front and I like that news. You should too. If that changes, I will let you know.
Our office hours are now such that staff is working remotely but the daily work of the Village continues. This includes budget review, critical repairs, web-based meetings and community liaison with the State and County etc.
In regards to the budget, it is my firm belief that we need a zero percent “hold the line” budget this year, and I am in talks with our board, the Village Administrator and Counsel to see what temporary hardship relief we can give our taxpayers. More on that to come. I just wanted you to know that I know you are concerned and suffering. Your whole Board knows that as well.
Ongoing construction is another important and complex topic to resolve and we are doing that right now by going through the open permits. Input from the Building Inspector as per the latest NY regulations is critical though we have some unique circumstances on this barrier island. Finalization of that policy and permit review will happen imminently. We want a policy that’s safe, effective and works as much as practical for all. We will finalize those issues and any new rules in connection with the latest County and State requirements. What things constitute critical or emergency work can be slightly different on a barrier island. At the end of the day, we are not letting profit come before safety. We can thread that needle and be compliant with both the letter and spirit of the law. Any contractors who are still working at the moment are diligently enforcing existing rules. No new permits are being issued.
Here are some numbers to know about. These are facts and figures that I think matter:
There are 150 families right now in OB. Police have confirmed. There are approximately 250 in our protection district which includes other towns.
The Police meet and greet every boat. This is only temporary but helps us have clear understanding of the volume, which thus far is OK according to my meetings with Ian and George. Our street patrols (and my constant walking of the old brown dog) tell us that nearly everyone is staying inside and home.
The Village Office is closed but accessible by phone and all staff working from home. The building inspector and village administrator are here when necessary. They are also on the phone with me every day.
l am in touch with the county, town, and emergency agencies by conference call every day. As you might understand, there is a natural trickle-down effect from Governor Cuomo and County Executive Bellone. They both understand where and how we fit in.
I’m out and about constantly. I’m walking every street at least once a day with my old brown dog. Even though there are additional people here, I am very happy to say I don’t see anyone outside who seems out of place. I do see some families out for a short walk and then they go back home.
We had temporarily closed the bay-front playground but allowed it to be opened as there are so few young children here, we see right outside my office door that any families are adhering to very strict and healthy behavior. We will keep a close eye on that as well. This seemed to be the logical thing to do at the moment.
I am proud to be helping lead the Village team just like during Sandy. And as I said, we are here to help and get this Village and your wonderful lives here back to normal.
Until we get more clarity in the coming days, it is still our belief, my belief, that people should stay where they are and let us make sure that when the time comes, we can welcome you all home with open arms.
Mayor Jim
Important: Self-quarantine for 14 days before coming
Please self-quarantine for 14 days before coming to Ocean Beach during this time.
IMPORTANT:
Anyone coming to Ocean Beach and intending to stay should self-quarantine for 14 days!
James Mallott, Mayor
COVID-19 update from Mayor Jim Mallott
How we’re dealing with this emergency in Ocean Beach.
As things rapidly change with the Coronavirus COVID-19 and as more information becomes available I’d like to take this opportunity to update you on how we are dealing with this emergency in Ocean Beach.
As I have said, the Fire Island Ferries are running at this point in time. Could that change? Maybe. We will keep you updated. At the moment, the ferry company is thoroughly cleaning the boats after each trip, and there are reserve crews available should the need arise.
Here in Ocean Beach, we already have approximately 100 families taking shelter in their summer homes. If you are thinking of coming to Ocean Beach to occupy your home, I would like to give you a couple of home truths so you can weigh your decision before you make that move.
We are in winter mode and emergency service is very, very, limited. What do I mean when I say that? Our fire and emergency district runs from Point O’ Woods to Atlantique. We may have a dozen emergency responders; half may be EMT’s. Remember, they’re volunteers — put yourself in that position and think how you would feel if one of your family members were asked to respond to a call with the potential of exposure.
Food, such as groceries and to-go food from CJ’s, Mermaid Market, and Castaway, is available now but could cancel at any moment.
Our playground is open. Please make sure you clean your children’s hands etc. after you allow them to use the playground equipment.
There is a strong possibility of a shelter-in-place order from the state. Consider what the consequences of that mean to you and your family, i.e. ferry service cancelled — you may be stranded here for who knows how long.
Please think long and hard about your decision to come here to Fire Island, or if you’re already here, your decision to stay. Please take all advised precautions and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Jim Mallott, Mayor
COVID-19 Info and Police Check-In
To all residents:
In order to best serve the community during this time, we are asking that any homeowners who have come to the island earlier than normal to voluntarily check-in with the police department.
We are using this information solely to aid the police and fire departments to locate occupied homes in any emergencies, and to maintain a list for garbage pick-up service.
Our goal is always to keep everyone healthy and safe, and we please ask for your cooperation with this effort.
See the fact sheet: What to do if you’re sick?
Thank you,
George Hesse, Chief of Police
James Mallott, Mayor