Mineola, NY - In an effort to stimulate economic growth in Nassau County, Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) joined her Democratic colleagues at an August 5 meeting of the Nassau County Legislature in voting to approve an application for designation of six geographic areas in Nassau County as Empire Zones. The measure is part of New York State Empire Development Corporation's new Empire Zone expansion initiative.

The Empire Zone program was created to encourage development through a variety of financial incentives designed to attract new businesses and enable existing businesses to expand a create more jobs. Businesses that make an investment and / or create new jobs in an Empire Zone are eligible for a combination of State tax credits and benefits. The six geographic areas comprising the two square mile zone include parts of Bethpage, New Cassel, Roosevelt, Glen Cove, the Village of Hempstead and Inwood.

"This is an outstanding opportunity for Nassau County and a great leap forward in our continued commitment to intelligent economic development and growth of communities where the needs are greater," said Legislator Jacobs. "This type of program allows us to attract businesses to the area and retain them while we continue our efforts to rebuild the county's financial stability." Empire Zone designation is based upon established criteria in the areas of unemployment, poverty, and population receiving public assistance, or closure of a military base, as is the case in Bethpage with the closing of the Northrop Grumman Facility.

In other business, the legislature approved:

• A resolution to accept a storm water basis in a residential area of Old Westbury into the control of the Department of Public Works.
• A resolution to increase the membership of the Deferred Compensation Board from five to ten members.
• A resolution releasing the principal of $212,234 and case escrow deposit of $8,626 to MDS Enterprises, Inc. for satisfactory completion of public improvements to Victorian Homes at North Merrick.

Various committees of the legislature approved the following items scheduled to come before the full legislature on Tuesday, September 10:

• A resolution appointing William J. Borman as a member of the Nassau County Commission on Human Rights.
• A local law amending the Nassau County Charter to allow the transfer of appropriations at any time during the fiscal year. Currently, interfund transfers between the five major funds are not permissible prior to November 1.
• A resolution approving titles and salary ranges for property valuation staff in the Assessment Review Commission.
• Authorization for the acceptance of a donation of services to restore the dome atop the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building.
• A Personal Service Contract with Insignia/ESG to serve as Nassau County's real estate broker. This item does not require approval by the full legislature. It was approved in the Rules Committee
• A contract with PFM (Public Financial Management) for a period of three years. PFM's responsibilities will include financial advisory services related to debt management and reduction.