Town Alters Application Process For Businesses

In an effort to streamline the process for new businesses hoping to open in Harrison's downtown, the town board has voted cut out a step in the application process for some newcomers.

Under a new exception, applicants hoping to replace an empty store front along the business section of Halstead Avenue (roughly Thatcher to Broadway) can have their new business approved in the building department, rather than going in front of the planning board.

Building Inspecter Robert FitzSimmons can now approve the businesses for operation, bypassing public hearings and the 45-day waiting period that comes with it.

The exception would only apply for businesses replacing another business that doesn't create need for additional parking or town services and doesn't alter a building's structure. Applicants making those changes would still need planning and town board approval.

The exception was put together by Councilwoman Marlane Amelio and FitzSimmons after new business owners said they were paying rent for months while waiting for the planning board to review their application publicly.

"What we're trying to do is facilitate the process so it doesn't get bogged down and discourage people," said Amelio.

But not everyone was happy with the change. Harrison resident Robert Porto told the board Thursday that he wants any change to a downtown building to be reviewed in public.

"It's watering down the laws," Porto said, adding that he thinks the change takes away from the Democratic process.

The board disagreed. Councilman Joseph Cannella, who served on the planning board for 10 years, said he doesn't recall an application to replace one business with a similar one ever being rejected by the planning board.

"There's really no grounds to disallow it," Cannella said, noting that the town doesn't have control over the types of businesses landlords rent to anyway.

Special exemption permits would still need to be approved by the planning and town boards. The building department can also use its discretion to send any application to the planning board if they feel the change is too significant.

Previously, a new business was required to post a sign notifying neighbors of any changes for 45 days before going before the planning board. Cannella proposed that a sign still be placed, giving neighbors the chance to bring complaints to FitzSimmons if they have a problem with a new business. The board agreed to amend the new exception to include requirements for a sign at a later date.

"If they're going to be upset, they have the opportunity to go into the building department and present that it go before the town board," Cannella said. "I don't have a problem with that."

The board approved the exception 4-0. Councilman Pat Vetere wasn't present at Thursday's meeting.