Politics & Government
Town Gives Incentive to Spruce Up Smithtown Main Street
Smithtown Town Board waives facade renovations fees for 6 months in downtown business areas.
Town of Smithtown officials have temporarily eliminated one hurdle for Smithtown business owners interested in improving their store's look.
Smithtown Town Board voted to waive all fees associated with building facade renovations for six months for those businesses located in central business districts. These areas include Smithtown Main Street and St. James business district.
Councilman Robert Creighton advocated waiving all town fees associated with facade renovations in hopes of have a better looking downtown areas.
"It will have a small impact but I think it would have a positive impact," Creighton told Patch.
Under town code, the standard town fee for facade renovations is $125 base fee plus 15 cents per square foot.
In addition, business owners would normally have to a $500 fee to submit plans for the renovation. However, if restorations aims to historically restore building to its pre-1950s materials, design and finish the cost is only $10 per acre.
Smithtown residents were quick to say they'd like to see Main Street given a facelift, and now the choice is in local business owners' hands.
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