Brookhaven ZBA Chair Paul DeChance Steps Down For Southold Town Attorney Post

FARMINGVILLE, NY — Longtime Brookhaven Zoning Board of Appeals chairman Paul DeChance has stepped down for the Southold Town attorney's post, officials announced on Thursday at the Town Board's annual organizational meeting.

DeChance, an attorney from Miller Place, held a position on the ZBA for almost two decades.

He served with "skill and excellence," said Dep. Supervisor Dan Panico, adding that his successor is former Suffolk District Court judge Howard Bergson, "a person who really knows the law, and I want to wish him the very best."

Supervisor Ed Romaine said DeChance was an excellent champion of the ZBA, who was "knowledgeable and professional."

"He gave people who appeared the courtesy that they deserve, and he served with distinction," he said. "I am sure he is going to a great job as the the Southold town attorney and I wish him every success."

Romaine also credited Bergson, whom he described as very capable of administering the ZBA with professionalism and legal knowledge.

Patch has reached out to DeChance and Bergson for comment.

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell was not immediately available for comment.

• Also at the meeting, Kevin Molloy was promoted from deputy to Chief of Staff in Romaine's office. The Mount Sinai resident will take over for Kevin Johnston.