West Islip Business Owners Cry Foul at Old Law

A drive down Higbe Lane in West Islip may not be as flashy these days because several business owners say they have been forced to alter their advertising methods.

According to Mike Kinsley, owner of "Home Town Heros," it all began when a complaint was filed with the Town of Islip about a sign that is painted on the side of the building that houses his hero business. The complaint alerted the town that Kinsley was in violation of a law that has been on the books since 1979, prohibiting Town of Islip businesses from having signs that are classified as "commercial signs" on their buildings without a permit.

Since the complaint was filed a few months ago, Kinsley was summoned by the town of Islip and has made several court appearances regarding the violation.

"It's really a shame. I'm trying to pay the bills and the town has me worrying about going to court about a mural, it's ridiculous," says Kinsley.

The Town notified Kinsley that he needed a variance due to the large size of the mural but Kinsley refused.

"It costs around $1,200, and who has that kind of money to spend on a permit?" he said. "The character of this town is under attack."

Kinsley paid a fine for the violation and has until the end of September to remove the mural.

Larry Becker, owner of "Sallys Cycle" bicycle shop was also notified by the Town that several of his advertising methods were in violation of the law and had to be changed. After removing several signs and bicycles from outside of his business, Becker says he is feeling the squeeze of this law.

"It's not doing me any good, I can't advertise. I can't display bikes outside my store, in my own parking lot," he said. Becker, owner of his bike shop since 1955, says that the restrictions are hurting his business because many people come into the shop when they see signs and bikes displayed.

"They're abusing business owners…people wonder why Main Street is dying," he said.

According to the Town of Islip Department of Public Safety Enforcement, "The businesses were each notified that they needed a permit to have commercial signs of that size.  The Town only classifies something as a mural if it is not of a commercial nature.  The "murals" on these businesses each served to identify the business and/or attract customers, and so are classified as commercial signs. The notices sent to these businesses did not say the murals must be removed, simply that they must apply for a permit."

Marc Hartman, owner of "Café Mojo" had a mural painted on the side of his building but decided to paint it over to avoid dealing with the ramifications, and expressed similar sentiments as Kinsley and Becker.

"We painted it over because we didn't want to deal with the town…I did not want to get involved because I knew I was not going to win," he said.