SAG HARBOR PARTNERSHIP
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ANNOUNCES TWO IMPORTANT MEETINGS
Community invited to participate in upcoming public meetings on October 29 and November 8.
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The Sag Harbor Partnership (SHP) has launched a new initiative focused on preserving the unique character, diversity, and long-term vitality of Sag Harbor’s Main Street Business District.
In response to growing concerns about maintaining the distinctive mix of independent businesses, welcoming atmosphere, and local identity that make Sag Harbor such a special place to live and visit, the Partnership is pursuing two complementary strategies: regulatory measures and innovative economic solutions.
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The Regulatory Approach
The first seeks to address the proliferation of formula or chain stores through potential amendments to the Village Code, working in cooperation with the Mayor and Board of Trustees.
To support this effort, SHP engaged Dwight Merriman and his New York counsel to research regulatory approaches adopted by other municipalities and develop recommendations for possible code revisions. These recommendations were shared with Sag Harbor Village Planner Rich Warren as part of the broader effort to explore regulatory solutions, complementing his own extensive research and planning work.
Rich Warren will present the findings of his comprehensive planning study to the Sag Harbor Village Board of Trustees and the public at a meeting on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Sag Harbor Village Hall, with Zoom participation available.
CONTACT
Susan Mead (214) 675-4991
April Gornik (646) 643-0775
The public is strongly encouraged to attend and participate.
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The Economic Approach
The second strategy focuses on developing innovative financial models to help sustain key independent businesses and “anchor” retail operations that serve the community and contribute to Main Street’s distinctive character.
To explore these opportunities, SHP commissioned a report examining economic models and practical methodologies for preserving important retail uses and representative buildings. The study was prepared by Eric Rothman, an economic impact consultant and former head of HR&A Advisors, an international economic development consulting firm.
The initiative envisions a public-private partnership, facilitated through a nonprofit organization, that could provide a framework for supporting and sustaining these essential elements of Main Street.
Together, these approaches aim to address both the regulatory and financial challenges of maintaining a vibrant, diverse, and economically sustainable village center.
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November 8: Main Street Initiative Public Meeting
The Sag Harbor Partnership will host a public meeting on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 2:30 to 3:30 PM at The Church, 48 Madison Street, Sag Harbor, to discuss the Main Street Initiative and its proposed strategies.
Members of the SHP-led task force will present the initiative’s objectives and explore opportunities for community participation and public-private collaboration.
Panelists will include:
- John Alschuler, founding member and former chairman of HR&A Advisors, an international economic consulting firm.
- April Gornik, chair of the Sag Harbor Cinema restoration effort and co-founder of The Church.
- Susan Mead, land-use attorney, a founder of the Sag Harbor Cinema restoration effort, and current Co-President of the Sag Harbor Partnership.
- Fred Thiele, former New York State Assemblyman and a principal advocate for the creation of Suffolk County’s Community Preservation Fund and Community Housing Fund.
- Shawn Sachs, partner and CEO of Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis, a global strategic communications and public relations firm.
CONTACT
Susan Mead (214) 675-4991
April Gornik (646) 643-0775
The meeting will provide an opportunity for residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to learn more about the initiative, ask questions, and participate in the discussion about the future of Main Street.
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Sag Harbor Partnership
The Sag Harbor Partnership is a 501(c)3 designated not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the quality of life in Sag Harbor, New York.
Our mission is to preserve the natural, historic, and built environments of Sag Harbor; enhance its cultural life; address social concerns; and maintain the unique character of the village and its locally owned small businesses.
Through partnerships with local governments, the private sector, and concerned citizens, we strive to enrich Sag Harbor for future generations.
https://www.sagharborpartnership.org
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AAQ / Resource: Christopher Jeffrey Architects
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