The-Leader_2004-04-08

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69th Year, No. 14 Freeport, N.Y. 11520
The Community Newspaper
Thursday April 8, 2004
Officials ask for equity
THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK: Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi and Freeport Mayor Bill Glacken voice their support for Empire Zones.
LONG ISLAND ASSOCIATION Vice-President of Legislative arid Economic Affairs Mitch Pally answers questions.
. , , . photos by Joan Delaney
Will Freeport receive aid?
by Joan Delaney
Standing shoulder to shoulder at Church Street and Sunrise Highway in Freeport on April 1, Mayor William Glacken and Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi spoke of renewed efforts to secure Empire Zones for Nassau County to assist in economic develop­ment. "There are 72 in the state, in 55 counties; there are three in Suffolk, ten in New York City and there are zero in Nassau County. It's a question of fair­ness," said Mr. Suozzi.
Nassau County is seeking Empire Zones for six non-contiguous areas in the Town of Hempstead, including Elmont, Franklin Square, Inwood, Roosevelt, Uniondale, and West Hempstead as well as New Cassel, Bethpage, the City of Glen Cove, the Villages of Hempstead and Freeport.
In Empire Zones companies which are increasing their employment are given incentives and are able to operate almost "tax free" for up to 10 years with other savings on a declining basis in years 11 through 15. Companies are eligible for sales tax exemption, real property and business tax credits. The zones, which must be approved by the state Legisla­ture, are intended to encourage new pri­vate sector investment and assist in job creation and economic expansion in
underserved, and in many cases, minor­ity communities.
Mitch Pally, the Vice-President of Legislative and Economic Affairs at the Long Island Association, noted that the creation of Empire Zones for Nassau County has been his group's top legisla­tive priority for two years.
During a questioning period, Mr. Suozzi was asked why local legislators should assist him after his recent critical comments about some of them in the news media. Mr. Suozzi shrugged and said, "I hope their personal feelings won't interfere."
Mr. Pally quickly -walked to the microphone to add, "This is not about Tom Suozzi. This is an issue for Repubhcans, Democrats, Independents, and Conservatives. Nassau County is being hampered by an inability to grow." He added, "They have said 'no, no, no.'" It's time to say 'yes' to Nassau County." Freeport revitalization
Mayor Glacken spoke of the need for traditional aging downtown areas to "constantly revitalize." He referred to a June 18 target date for groundbreaking for,the long-awaited development on Suiuise Highway which will renovate the old bank building and create 25,000 square feet of new retail space as well as 224 rental apartnients on the adjacent
space.That deVeldpnient plus 'the neatby Main Street Mews slated to; include a restaurant and 1(5 units of housing and workspace for artists are all geared toward enticing more people to live, work, shop and engage in recreational activities in the village. He spoke of niche businesses and boutiques, as well as the possibiUty of a movie complex, for the envisioned renaissance of Freeport's downtown.
As pictures were taken and questions answered,, Mr. Suozzi continued to speak of the importance of revitaliza­tion. He said that the magnificently improved Nautical Mile will be Mayor Glacken's legacy.
Also present was Robert Klein, Vice -President of Engineering, Logistics and Technology at Northrop Grumman Corporation who stressed the value of incentives that help companies to
expand. He noted that his coihpany's recent programs with the Empire State Development Corporation and Nassau County Industrial Development Agency have allowed them to make facihties improvements and grow substantially on Long Island. "Since the implementation of these recent programs, we are adding 1,000 jobs."
In the economic development presen­tations that Mr. Suozzi has conducted around the county, he consistently speaks of the necessity of job growth, workforce housing, and the maximizing of existing space. He has noted, "We can't create more space so we have to do more with what we have."
Commenting on the perception that Nassau County is viewed by outsiders as a wealthy area, he said, "I appreciate that characterization, but please give us our fair share of Empire Zones."