Letters

I write in response to a letter by Walter Deane [“Wrong Approach,” Letters, February 1], which seemed to miss the essence of my initial concerns about the current administration’s approach to local businesses in Southampton Village. Mr. Deane’s defense of the status quo fails to address the underlying issues that many of us, as business owners, face in navigating an increasingly challenging environment.

It’s pertinent to highlight that Mr. Deane’s allegiance to Bill Manger’s campaign casts a shadow on the objectivity of his arguments. True leadership embodies reaching out and offering support, not deploying surrogates to chastise the very businesses that contribute to the village’s vibrancy and economic health.

Furthermore, the outdated codes that Mr. Deane champions are exactly where the problem lies. Yet, contrary to his assertion, the village’s code, Section 116-13 (h)(i), which advocates for the use of muted and earth tone colors, validates the choice of the earthy gold tone on my awning — a choice now unfairly penalized by the administration.

Manger’s approach, marked by a lack of direct engagement and reliance on intimidation tactics rather than constructive dialogue, is disheartening. His tenure, characterized by self-serving actions such as giving himself a 40 percent raise, rather than meaningful updates to the village’s outdated design guidelines, reflects misplaced priorities. The funds expended on raises for politicians could have been better allocated toward revising the village’s design guidelines, not updated since 2000, and the downtown plan, stagnant since 2013.

The Comprehensive Master Plan specifically states on pages 14 and 34: “Incorporate design guidelines to identify architectural features, signage, colors, design and materials that would be most appropriate for the village center,” highlighting a clear directive that has been ignored.

I propose a proactive solution: the formation of a committee, which I am willing to lead, to collaborate with a historical consultant, architect or planner. Our goal would be to revise and swiftly implement new guidelines, ensuring clarity and fairness in their application. This initiative could prevent the recurrence of the challenges faced by businesses under the current regime.

Moreover, the issue of double standards within Village Hall is glaring and factual. For instance, while my business was subjected to code enforcement actions, Robin Brown’s home underwent construction without a building permit or ARB approvals, a point that remains unaddressed.

Similarly, Manger enjoys the luxury of residing in his father’s home with no job (other than a temporary gig working for a PPP lender accused of fraud [Miami Herald, May 4, 2023]), showcasing a disconnect between his privilege and the hardships that small-business owners face.

It’s time to embrace a more inclusive, supportive approach that acknowledges the challenges we face and works collaboratively toward solutions that benefit the entire community.

Tisha Collette

Southampton Village