February 26, 2004
Abrahams approves consolidation of County's Social Services department
Also votes to broaden handicap parking violations
Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) and Majority Democrats approved a $140 million plan this week to consolidate the County's many social service departments into a "Social Service" center in Uniondale. The plan was approved by the legislature 19-0.
Under the plan the county will pay about $7.9 million a year for a 17-year lease for 60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd in Uniondale where 1,600 employees would relocate from buildings now scattered across the county. The departments of welfare, mental health and veterans affairs would now be housed under one roof where residents seeking assistance could be directed to individual services, referred to as the County's "No Wrong Door" policy.
"Many of the buildings currently occupied by these departments are dilapidated and in need of major renovations," according to the Legislator Abrahams. "This new lease is the first step in County Executive Thomas Suozzi's major real estate consolidation plan."
In other business, the legislature also approved:
- A local law to amend the Nassau County law in relation to the accrual of undesignated fund balances and a 4-year financial plan, quarterly budget reports, and quarterly cash flow reports.
- A local law and ordinance to prevent motorists parking in handicapped parking access aisles (commonly known as zebra stripes). The legislation provides for fines up to $600.
- An ordinance supplemental to the annual appropriation in connection with the following agencies:
Youth Board for its Special Delinquency Prevention Program in the amount of $558,477 in State funds. The purpose of this grant is to provide specific services not included in general funding such as advocacy, counseling, and job preparation, and for a Safe Places Program, in the amount of $50,000 in state funds. The purpose of this grant is to provide a safe environment for children ages 6-18 in the Rockville Centre community. This program provides tutorial services, library programs, and workshops on important current issues.
The Heath Department for its Lyme Disease Surveillance program in the amount of $40,328 in State funds. The purpose of this grant is to provide education, surveillance, investigation, and prevention of Lyme Disease.
The Traffic Safety Board for its Impaired Driving Deterrence Program in the amount of $155,000 in State funds. The purpose of this program is continued reduction of the number of alcohol related crashes, injuries, and deaths.
The Senior Citizens Operation Restore Trust Program in the amount of $10,000 in State funds. The purpose of this program is to provide outreach in assisting seniors, their families, and the general public to identify, prevent and report Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse and the Senior Citizens Foster Grandparent Program in the amount of $240,000 in Federal funds. The purpose of this program is to provide opportunities for low income persons aged 60 and over to give supportive person-to-person services in health, education, welfare, or related services to help alleviate the physical, mental, or emotional problems of children having exceptional or special needs.
The Majority also approved a resolution confirming the appointment of the County Executive of Howard S. Weitzman, Helena E. Williams, Wayne Lipton, and John R. Bradsfield, Jr. as members of the Nassau County Sewer and Storm Water Finance Authority and voted to accept a gift of a Quarter Horse now known as "Ace," for mounted police service from Barbara Coakley of Medford.
