Debate Emerges Over Flanders/Riverside Garbage District

Members of the Flanders, Riverside and Northampton communities are tired of getting dumped on. 

Members of the Flanders, Riverside and Northampton Civic Association have said in recent months that a garbage district would help clean up the community and put an end to a proliferation of unsightly illegal dumping in their back yards.

But a proposal for a new garbage district in the Riverside and Flanders are has some Southampton Town officials proceeding with caution.

"As a large rental community with an extreme amount of illegal dumping in our hamlets, this would be a win-win for the community and the town," said FRNCA president Brad Bender. "The blight problem that exists from illegal dumping as well as the piling of garbage on private property could be diminished."

Southampton Town officials, though, said the concept needs careful consideration. "It's an idea worthy of discussion, however, we need to further explore the cost implications of forming a district for only one area of the town," said Southampton Town Councilman Chris Nuzzi.

Bender said the town would save money on the resources utilized to combat violations in areas including code enforcement, justice court, and the highway department. "This is the number one complaint in the Flanders, Riverside and Northampton called in to the town by our residents," he said.

Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst declined to comment.

Councilwoman Bridget Fleming said any financial solution "needs to be carefully examined with regard to its impact on taxpayers. I applaud the efforts of the community to look for creative solutions to this difficult issue and I look forward to working with them on it."

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