Westhampton Beach Pizzeria Owner Hopes To Slice Red Tape

The owner of a Westhampton Beach pizzeria is seeking a special exception from the Village Board that would allow him to essentially double the size of his Old Riverhead Road business.

Tony Intravaia, the owner of Tonino’s Pizza in the North Mall, is looking to expand to a neighboring storefront and increase his seating capacity from 16 to 40 seats, according to Westhampton Beach Village Building and 
Zoning Administrator Paul Houlihan.

The public hearing on Mr. Intravaia’s application will be held during the board’s next meeting, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, at Westhampton Beach Village Hall.

Even if he secures the permit, Mr. Intravaia must still secure additional approval from the Suffolk County Board of Health, Mr. Houlihan explained.

“At the time, they did not have the Board of Health’s approval,” Mr. Houlihan said, explaining that Mr. Intravaia first expressed interest in expanding his business last year.

When reached this week, Mr. Intravaia said he wants to convert his pizza parlor into a full-service restaurant. He also noted that, in order to accomplish that, he must get Suffolk County to alter its labeling of his business, which is now considered a luncheonette. As a result, he can only offer up to 16 seats.

If he secures the village permit, Mr. Intravaia said he expects that the county will require that he install a second leaching pool before being permitted to expand his business.

“We’re putting in seating and upgrading to a full-service restaurant,” Mr. Intravaia said. “First we need to get approved for 40 seats. From that point on, we can do what we want.”

The public hearing on the application was originally scheduled for January 7, but was ultimately pushed back one week so village officials could attend the wake service for Village Tax Receiver Veronica Wagner, who died in her sleep on New Year’s Eve. The hearing will now be held at the the board’s next meeting on Thursday night.