Mission Statement
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life in Hay Beach by maintaining and improving our infrastructure, resources and services and by upholding our covenants, declarations and by-laws.
We are a voluntary organization with a goal to create a forum to discuss Island issues and to advocate these issues with the Town Board on behalf of all Hay Beach property owners.
June 1, 2025
Dear HBPOA Members and Hay Beach Residents,
A quick reminder that the Hay Beach Property owners annual cocktail party is June 28th. An invite has been forwarded to members and additional information will be forthcoming. Also, if you have not yet renewed for 2025, please do so ASAP, as we only exist through member dues. If you have any questions, please contact me at billm45s@gmail.com.
We want to advise you that the Shelter Island Water Advisory Committee has issued an advisory for voluntary water conservation given the significant rainfall shortage to date and the corresponding low well readings even with the recent rainfalls. Their advisory is copied below.
It is critical to raise awareness and create a more open dialogue about water usage, especially before the high usage summer months. Please conserve water and pass along the advisory to your friends and neighbors.
Thank you,
Bill Mastro - President hay Beach Property Owners Association
WATER ADVISORY
Water levels in Shelter Island's aquifer are far below normal, so please CONSERVE WATER. Further, if you irrigate or fertilize, follow best practice and related regulations.
We depend on precipitation to recharge our aquifer. Despite recent rains, precipitation so far this year has been about 50% below normal. Water levels in the Town's monitoring wells are at a 10- year low.
See below for our may water report:
https://www.shelterislandtown.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2335/Well-Level-Report-for-May-2025-PDF
Water use increases in the summer, which is just beginning. Given our low water levels, we need to conserve water now to get through our peak season.
If you irrigate, see the irrigation brochure for best practice and the Town irrigation rules.
Irrigation Brochure
If you fertilize, see the fertilizer brochure for best practice and the Town fertilizer code.
Fertilizer Brochure
Thank you for protecting our aquifer.
Sincerely,
Water Advisory Committee
Sean Davy
Peter Grand
David Ruby
Greg Toner
Andrew Chapman, Chair
Happy spring. The weather is finally cooperating and getting us all excited about the upcoming summer on Shelter Island.
Annual Renewal: The annual HBPOA renewal notice was mailed out earlier this month. We thank those who have already sent in your renewal $50.00 annual dues. If you have yet to renew, or if you did not receive the renewal mailing, we request you do so soon. Annual dues are just $50.00 and checks should be made payable to the Hay Beach Property Owners Association and mailed with your contact information to: Treasurer HBPOA, PO Box 791, Shelter Island New York, 11964.
If you have any questions about the renewal, please don't hesitate to contact me at billm45s@gmail.com.
June Cocktail Party: The June Cocktail party will occur on Saturday, June 28th at the home of David and Deborah Lopez. More details will follow as we get closer to the date. There is no charge to members for this popular event that is always a good time, as we all get the opportunity to share time and conversation with our Hay Beach neighbors.
May 20th Election: A reminder that on May 20th there is a local vote at the school regarding the candidates for the school board, regarding the proposed school budget, and a new proposal (Proposition 4) for the Shelter Island History Museum (formerly Historical Society) to receive an appropriation of $275,000 annually via a modification in property taxes. Absentee ballots regarding these matters can be obtained from Jacqueline Dunning, Shelter Island UFSD, District Clerk/Secretary to the Superintendent at 631-749-0302 extension 101.
Town and Local Issues: The HBPOA continues to monitor Town Board issues and related activities and where appropriate present our views to the Town. In particular, we have been involved in the public hearing regarding Gardiners Bay Country Club's request for a cistern and issues related to such request. We have submitted multiple letters and questions to GBCC and the Town Board and have presented at the public hearings. Additional information and a request for members to attend the May 19th Town Board public hearing will be forthcoming.
In the interim, if you would like copies of the letters we have submitted, please email me at billm45s@gmail.com
Looking forward to seeing you all at the June cocktail party,
Bill Mastro - President on behalf of the HBPOA Board
