Letters to the Editor: East Rockaway, Lynbrook

Mall deal miscalculation?

To the Editor:

I am writing regarding the ill-conceived Payments in Lieu of Taxes agreement entered into by the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency and the owners of the Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream. Under the agreement, the mall received a 10-year tax exemption starting now. Many of my constituents have seen enormous increases in their tax bills as a result.

There are highly disturbing allegations that the Green Acres PILOT agreement was based on a fundamental miscalculation. In particular, I understand that it is possible that the PILOT payments were calculated as a percentage of school taxes only, without accounting for a reduction in general taxes, including county, town and special district taxes. The result of such a miscalculation –– whether unintentional or deliberate –– would be to grant the mall owner a much lower PILOT payment, and a much greater tax benefit, than is warranted.

A miscalculation of the PILOT payment should invalidate the entire exemption, which would undermine the legitimacy of the county tax rolls. The accuracy and validity of our tax rolls should not be held hostage to what I consider highly dubious decision-making by an outside agency such as the IDA.

Nor should the County Legislature, which must approve the assessments on the tax rolls, be forced to accept such a decision.

Carrié Solages

Nassau County legislator,

3rd District

. . .

County to host veterans event

To the Editor:

The Nassau County Veterans Service Agency will hold a Veterans Stand Down event on Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Freeport Armory, at 63 Babylon Turnpike in Freeport.

My administration is committed to serving our veterans and ensuring that resources are provided to them once they return home from service. Nassau County Stand Downs have assisted veterans in securing the benefits they deserve. I thank all those good people who donate their time to making these events successful.

Veterans will receive assistance in securing entitled benefits, job counseling and legal advice. Donated food and clothing will be available to the veterans. There will also be a barbecue, haircuts, medical screenings, enrollment in the Veterans Affairs health care system and dental cleaning offered by Dental on the Go.

Representatives from Nassau County government agencies will take part as well, including the departments of Social Services and Health and Human Services, the state Department of Labor, the state Division of Veterans Affairs, the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Red Cross and Salvation Army.

For more information, call the Veterans Service Agency at (516) 572-6565.

Ed Mangano

County executive