Recognition has followed. “Newsday called us a culinary destination,” Lavorata notes. “If someone had said that to me ten years ago, I probably would never have believed it. But it’s not only a belief now, it’s a reality.” “The downtown has become more walkable. We have pedestrian safety measures that we’ve been able to implement,” says Schrader. She credits early planning efforts,“all of this came from that original downtown master plan and walkability study, which were instrumental in helping us to get funding for all of that.” Notably, the improvements were achieved without the use of taxpayer money. What was once an overlooked corridor has become a walkable, vibrant destination that now draws residents, visitors, and business owners alike. BUSINESS-FRIENDLY POLICIES: SPEEDING UP SUCCESS Lindenhurst’s downtown revival has not only been cultural, it’s been procedural. “I don’t think we’re in a position where we could grant tax relief, but what we did do, we sped up the process,” says Lavorata. Recognizing that red tape can stifle growth, the village administration took decisive steps to make Lindenhurst a more inviting place to do business. “In the old days, if a business came in here to try to open up,the paperwork just to get them off the ground could take as much as six months,” says Lavorata. “We’ve gotten it down to under eight weeks in most cases.”Through a focus on expedited permitting and clearly outlined expectations, the village has reduced delays that previously discouraged investment. “As a result, we’re open for business within almost 90 days,” he explains. The streamlined approach is bolstered by proactive support. “We like to invite them into Village Hall and have a meeting with them,” says Schrader. “We meet with the building department and go over step by step…so there are no surprises along the way.” While the village doesn’t offer tax relief incentives, this hands-on guidance helps new entrepreneurs hit the ground running.“We don’t necessarily handhold, but we are there for them and we try to make it as painless as possible,” Schrader adds. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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