Mangano Kills First Precinct “Giveaway”

 

Says deal signed by previous administration is “an insult to the taxpayers”

Calling it “an invalid gift of public tax money to a private company,” Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano today announced that he will seek a judgment to declare null and void a lease the previous administration entered into with a private landlord to construct a new building for the Nassau County Police Department’s First Precinct in Baldwin.

Through this deal, a private company will earn $34 million in construction and lease fees, and when the lease ends—the taxpayers don’t even own the building. The landlord will.” said Mangano. “This lease is an insult to Nassau’s taxpayers.”

“It does not even pass the laugh test,” said Mangano.

The Suozzi administration entered into the lease with Grand Baldwin Associates, L.P. and the terms were agreed upon by the Nassau County Legislature’s Democratic majority In Dec., 2009.

Mangano also said that the community raised concerns that a proper environmental review and traffic and noise studies were never performed, which could present safety concerns.

Mangano recognizes the need for a new First Precinct, and is exploring all options.

“This is just a very bad deal that takes advantage of every Nassau taxpayer,” said Mangano. “I will find a better solution that will protect the taxpayer’s wallets but ensure that public safety is not at all compromised. There will be a new First Precinct that the people will own.”