Richard Propper, the sometimes controversial executive director of the Westbury Business Improvement District, has decided to resign his post, effective the end of the year.

Propper privately informed the BID board of his decision only two weeks ago.

He's going to be a hard man to replace," said Frank Telese, President of the Westbury Chamber of Commerce. "Not only is he a font of retailing experience and know how, but who among us has his ability as a public speaker?"

Telese characterized Propper's departure as a blow to the village, second only to the recent retirement of Village Clerk William Malone.

There's been no word yet from the BID as to how they will proceed in hiring a new executive director.