Business

Following temporary closure, new Greenport surf shop OK’d to open

Flying Point-Surf and Sport on Main Street received Planning Board approval Thursday night.
Flying Point Surf and Sport on Main Street received Planning Board approval Thursday night. (Cyndi Murray photo)

The Greenport Planning Board green-lighted Flying Point Surf Shop’s site plan application Thursday night, despite some controversy last week over its premature opening.

Without discussion the application was approved 4-0, with member Chris Dowling recusing himself since he owns competing business One Love Beach on Main Street.

The smooth passage comes after a passion public discussion during last week’s Planning Board work session when business owners and residents expressed concerns over the store owner’s lack of regard for Greenport’s approvals process during the meeting, saying it was unfair the business opened without approval over Memorial Day weekend.

Blake Dowling, a co-owner of One Love Beach, said at the meeting, “With the opening of Flying Point this weekend there seems to be an underlying theme of disregard for our [village] and its rules and its merchants.”

Planning Board member Pat Mundus pointed a finger at the village itself. “This is other example of lack of enforcement in the village of Greenport,” she said.

Flying Point owner Mark Zucchero said at the time that he “didn’t know the system.”

The shop was forced to close until it received approval from the board to open up shop.

Now that it’s officially, legally open, the store will carry beach apparel and accessories for men, woman and children and will be open year round.