Mineola, NY - Deputy Presiding Officer Roger Corbin (D-Westbury), Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) and their legislative colleagues unanimously approved the sale of a county-owned building in Hempstead to the Eastern Baptist Association of New York and St. John's Development Corporation, not for profit groups that advocate for social justice, community empowerment and non-partisan good government.

The sale of the building to Eastern Baptist Association of New York came only after months of hard work by Legislators Abrahams and Corbin, who believed that county residents would be best served if the dilapidated and vermin-infested building was sold to an agency that would not only renovate it, but also give back to the community.

"This is a win-win situation for Nassau County and its residents," said Legislator Corbin. "The new owners of this building will provide invaluable services to the residents of the surrounding communities."

"It is possible to combine compassion with good government and this building sale is a perfect example," said Legislator Corbin.

The $150,000 purchase price of the building was subject to certain conditions, according to Abrahams. The EBA and SJDEC will invest between $250,000 and $500,000 in renovating the property as well as create a community center in the building that will provide services to the community, including financial and home ownership, counseling, vocational counseling, youth gang intervention and educational workshops."

In addition, EBA will also provide office space in the building for Helping End Violence Now (HEVN) and to the Long Island Council of Church's for a food pantry.

The building at 301 Peninsula Blvd was originally acquired by the county in 1997 for non payment of taxes.