Ex FBI Agent Tapped To Crack Down On Town Code Enforcement

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Southampton Town is cracking down on code enforcement efforts, tapping a former FBI agent to take the helm.

Seasoned law enforcement official Steven Troyd, a 28 year veteran of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, has been chosen to head up the new Southampton Town Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

Troyd's slated start date is in September.

He brings to the proverbial table emergency management oversight during critical events such as September 11 and Superstorm Sandy, supervision of the NY Metro gang task force, investigations of child exploitation, narcotics and criminal activities and extensive liaison work with diverse community groups.

Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said he also intends to include one additional code enforcement officer in next year’s budget. The officer will be focused on enforcement of environmental regulations, freeing up other officers to focus on housing code violations.

“Our ordinance enforcement division has suffered from a lack of daily supervision and oversight,” Schneiderman said. “That is about to change. Our town has enacted strong codes to protect our quality of life. The laws need to be vigorously enforced.”

Schneiderman also said a new, three-pronged approach has been developed to address overcrowded housing and quality of life issues.

First, Troyd will take on full-time, hands on leadership of code enforcement. Next, Diana Weir, director of housing and community development, will spotlight the lack of affordable and attainable housing and community development efforts.

Finally, the third prong will focus on revitalization efforts and economic renewal in Hampton Bays and Flanders/Riverside/Northampton supported by an investment in community infrastructure.

In recent months, the Southampton Town board has instituted Southampton Online Solutions, or SOS, an online complaint form that residents can use to log and track quality of life concerns, such as pothole repairs, and complaints about garbage.

A quarterly report, available to the public, will be generated so that progress can be followed and data analyzed to ensure cases are being addressed and resolved.

Councilwoman Julie Lofstad, a Hampton Bays resident, spoke about the effort to revitalize areas of the community and create new economic opportunity.

“Hampton Bays is a beautiful place made up of hard-working, salt of the earth people, trying to make the best life they can for their families," she said. "And while we do have some difficult problems that we are working hard to address, I am proud to live here, work here and raise my family here.”