New Council Would Advocate for Small Business in Flanders, Riverside

Residents and businesses struggling to gain a foothold in today's unstable economy may soon get a boost from Southampton Town Councilman Chris Nuzzi, who has proposed a "one-stop shopping" approach.

The councilman has proposed the creation of a Project Development Council that would help residents and business owners to navigate the often cumbersome land use process.

The Flanders/Riverside area could benefit from the creation of the council, Nuzzi believes, especially in the light industrial, or LI-40, areas where the credit union and other small businesses currently sit.

The legislation, he said, would green light the creation of the council, which would help advocate for new businesses in the Flanders/Riverside area and streamline revitalization efforts.

The resolution is scheduled to be on the Southampton Town Board agenda for a vote on June 12.

The council would be comprised of representatives from the land management, building and zoning, planning, environmental, engineering, and highway departments, as well as the town attorney's office — and serve as a central contact for individuals seeking development opportunities townwide.

The intent behind the council, Nuzzi said, is to have it serve as an economic development/small business advocacy office inside Town Hall.

"We need to promote the development and expansion of our small businesses in the right areas of our town by providing a central point of contact, consistent information throughout the application process, and lessening the regulatory timeline," Nuzzi said Monday. "These are all things that I believe will help to grow our local economy."