North Fork Buzz
Posts
🐝 Keep Bug Light Shining

🐝 Keep Bug Light Shining

First Time Homebuyer, Bug Light Restoration, Sunset Landing

Thomas Loncar
June 18, 2026

Together With

Good Morning, North Fork! There are bigger joys in life, but hearing the Mister Softee jingle out of nowhere is right up there.

In today’s North Fork Buzz:

First Time Homebuyer
Bug Light Restoration
Sunset Landing

Ready, Set, Go!

The Lowdown

First Time Homebuyer 🏠

Buying a house in Southold might get a little less daunting.

Town officials are exploring a new Community Housing Fund program that would provide first time homebuyers with loans covering up to 18% of a home's purchase price, as much as $135,000 on a $750,000 house.

The new approach is designed to help buyers avoid private mortgage insurance, a costly monthly expense that kicks in when homeowners put less than 20% down. Town Community Development Project Supervisor Andrea Sullivan said that could save homeowners roughly $1,200 per month while making it easier to stay in their homes long term.

Under the proposal, buyers would contribute 2% down, the town would provide 18%, and Southold would recoup its money when the home is eventually sold.

Not everyone is convinced the math works. Councilwoman Kate Stevens questioned whether enough homes under $750,000 even exist in Southold to make the program effective. Town officials are already discussing whether that purchase price cap should be raised.

Get the full story 👉 East End Beacon

Bug Light Restoration 🚧

The East End Seaport Museum will celebrate the completion of the first phase of its Keep Bug Light Shining campaign with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 25, marking a major step in preserving Greenport’s beloved Long Beach Bar Lighthouse.

Nicknamed "Bug Light," the offshore lighthouse has spent decades battling tides, storms and saltwater. Now, after raising $880,000 through community support and matching grants, crews have completed the project's "Rock & Dock" phase.

The work included rebuilding and stabilizing the protective rock barrier around the lighthouse, installing a new perimeter walkway, adding pilings, docks and access ramps, and clearing away years of accumulated debris.

Get the full story 👉 North Fork Sun

Future of CPF 🌱

Town officials this week began reviewing the first significant overhaul of the Community Preservation Fund’s Open Space Project Plan since 2016, a document that guides how millions of preservation dollars are spent on farmland, open space, wetlands, shorelines and other protected lands across town.

While the core mission isn't changing, some new state requirements are forcing Southold to rethink how projects are prioritized.

The biggest shift? New York now requires that 10% of annual CPF revenue benefit disadvantaged communities. In Southold, that designation currently applies only to Greenport Village.

That could mean future CPF funded projects in Greenport, particularly water quality, stormwater and coastal resilience initiatives, receive greater attention when preservation dollars are allocated.

Town officials stressed that farmland preservation remains the program's top focus, followed by open space and recreational lands. The new rules don't change what CPF money can fund as much as they influence which projects rise to the top of the list.

Also on Tuesday's agenda: State Officials outlined new immigration related provisions included in the state budget, including restrictions on when local governments can cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and new protections for schools, government buildings, healthcare facilities and other sensitive locations.

Get the full story 👉 North Fork Sun

Sunset Landing 🌅

There's a new spot at Hotel Moraine designed for one thing: making the most of those Long Island Sound sunsets.

They officially introduced Sunset Landing, a new outdoor gathering space tucked just below the property's lawn and overlooking the water. The semi-private setting gives guests a front row seat to sunset views.

Hotel Moraine General Manager Rachel Cronemeyer Flatley says the space was envisioned as an intimate venue for dinners and celebrations of around 20 to 25 guests, offering a secluded feel while still being part of the hotel experience.

Get the full story 👉 Northforker

^{_{Stories with a ($) require a third party subscription}}

Happenings: Weekend Preview

Friday

📚 Pages from the Diary of an Ex-Slave History steps off the page and onto the stage as author Jo-Ann Wilson brings The Diary of an Ex-Slave to life through an immersive Juneteenth performance at the North Fork Arts Center. More Info

🍽️ Juneteenth Fundraising Dinner A powerful evening of history, storytelling, and great food comes together at Flavor Fork as part of this year’s Juneteenth celebration. Meet author Jo-Ann Wilson, whose book Pages from the Diary of an Ex-Slave offers a deeply personal look at the past, while enjoying a special dinner collaboration featuring Vanessa Mims of I Cater to You, Lenz Winery, and Flavor Fork. More Info

🎆 Fireworks Fundraiser The countdown to one of summer favorite traditions starts with an evening at Sunset Beach in support of the 67th Annual Shelter Island Fireworks. Enjoy cocktails, canapés, live music, and an auction while helping keep the beloved fireworks display lighting up the sky for another year. More Info

🎥 The American Revolution The war is won, but the real challenge is just beginning. Episode 6 of the Ken Burns series at Peconic Landing picks up after the victory at Yorktown as the newly independent states grapple with an ambitious question: what kind of nation will they become? More Info

Saturday

🏃 Shelter Island 10K & 5K Bringing runners, walkers, and spectators together. The Shelter Island 10K & 5K winds through scenic roads, waterfront views, and cheering crowds, drawing everyone from serious racers chasing a personal best to families making a day of it. More Info

⛵ Sunset Sail A sunset cruise across the Peconic Bay aboard a 72 foot schooner with a glass of wine is nice way to end the day. Bedell Cellars teams up with East End Charters for an unforgettable evening aboard the Bonnie Lynn, sip Bedell wines, take in bay views, and experience a little old world sailing charm. More Info

🤝 Juneteenth Celebration The parade steps off from Clinton Memorial AME Zion Church, making its way to Mitchell Park for an afternoon filled with dance, drumming, live music, and spoken word performances. More Info

👜 Pop Up Shop The first weekend of summer brings a pop up shop to Main Road Biscuit Co. as NOFO Style rolls in with handcrafted bags, coastal accessories, jewelry, and other carefully curated finds. More Info

☀️ Summer Solstice Celebration The longest day of the year gets a fitting welcome at The Gardens at Beds & Borders, where sunshine gives way to an afternoon of live music, dancing, and a curated mix of spiritual and wellness vendors. More Info

🎹 Inaugural Piano Concert A brand new Steinway B piano gets its first moment in the spotlight at the North Fork Arts Center with a solo performance by composer pianist Bruce Wolosoff. Blending blues influences, American roots music, and inspiration drawn from visual art. More Info

Sunday

🛹 National Go Skate Day The ramps will be busy and the speakers turned up at the Greenport Skate Park, as skaters gather to celebrate National Go Skate Day. DJ Polo Marty keeps the soundtrack rolling with old school hip-hop throughout the day, while snacks, hydration, and plenty of skate culture fill the park. The photography contest is also back, giving attendees a chance to capture the best tricks and moments from the session. More Info

🎭 Jazz, Sonnets & Shakespeare The path to this summer’s production of All’s Well That Ends Well begins with an afternoon of live music and theater at the Unitarian Universalist of Southold Meeting Hall. Enjoy live jazz performances alongside scenes and sonnets from the upcoming Shakespeare in the Park production. More Info

🧘 Summer Solstice Offering The longest day of the year winds down with intention, movement, and a front row seat to sunset at Sound View. The evening begins with guided intention setting and an energizing yoga flow, before easing into a crystal sound bath as the sun sinks toward the horizon. More Info

🚗 Car Show Chrome, horsepower, and cold beer make a pretty good combination at Jamesport Farm Brewery's car show. Classic cruisers and custom builds take center stage, while live music, food trucks, local vendors, and even axe throwing keep the action going. More Info

^{_{Nothing in this section is sponsored. They’re just fun things you need to know. I’ll always let you know when something is sponsored}}

Live Music + Fun Breakdown

Thursday

Friday

*reservations required

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign Up

Interested in sponsoring The Buzz? Let’s Talk

Want your business’s event in the newsletter? Send us the Info!

Did we miss something? Let us know at [email protected]

THANKS!

Thanks for reading the North Fork Buzz today. Like what you read? Send it to a friend!

Tom Loncar- Publisher
Nicole Loncar- Editor + Partnerships

🐝 Keep Bug Light Shining

First Time Homebuyer, Bug Light Restoration, Sunset Landing

Together With

Sponsored By Petal & Peep

Thoughtful Gifts and Timeless Toys 🧸

The Lowdown

First Time Homebuyer 🏠

Bug Light Restoration 🚧

Future of CPF 🌱

Sunset Landing 🌅

Happenings: Weekend Preview

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Live Music + Fun Breakdown

Thursday

Friday

THANKS!