Mineola, NY - Despite questions about the fairness in which federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds are distributed to local municipalities through the Community Development Block Grant program, Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), and the majority of the Nassau County Legislature agreed to allocate the funds in exchange for their future participation in preparation of the application.

Citing what they believe to be inequities in the amounts allotted to each community, which are based on census figures from ten years ago, members of the Democratic caucus agreed to pass along the federal funds rather then withhold the money until the problems are resolved.

Alan Parente, Commissioner of the county's Office of Housing & Intergovernmental Affairs, responding to questions from the majority said that the latest census numbers would probably alter the distribution formula. However, he conceded that it could take more than a year before the numbers are released. Democratic legislators said they wanted to have input into the application which is submitted to HUD in January to ensure their concerns regarding equitable distribution would be noted.

To qualify for Community Development funds, activities must meet specific criteria, including benefiting low and moderate income persons, defined as below 80% of Nassau County's median income; or aiding in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight.

At the September 24, meeting, the Democratic majority adopted a local law relating to the readjustment or alteration of County legislative districts subsequent to the decennial federal census of 2000. The bill seeks to comply with the County Charter, which requires that the County Legislature act within six months of the release of the census date to describe legislative districts based on that data and that a temporary districting advisory commission be appointed in early to mid 2002 to make recommendations to the County Legislature on legislative districts.

Democratic legislators authorized a grant award between the County and the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program. The program provides local governments with funds to underwrite projects to reduce crime and improve public safety.

In other business, the legislature: ·

• approved an ordinance for the use and occupation of County property between Nassau and the Franklin Medical Center, for the use of property located on the West side of Franklin Avenue, south of the Southern State Parkway in Valley Stream for use by the hospital for the placement of an entrance sign. ·
• appropriated $213,281 for the Tobacco Enforcement Program from October 2001 through September 2002. Funds are 100% reimbursable by the NYS Department of Health. The program benefits County residents by establishing and maintaining a registry of licensed retailers and vendors. ·
• appropriated $132,000 for the continuation of the EPA Underground Well Injection Control Program Grant for October 2001 to September 2002. The program, which is 100% reimbursable by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, identifies and tests businesses with possible bad dumping practices ·
• approved an ordinance appropriating $3.3 million for the Home Program. HOME funds are used to provide for tenant-based rental assistance, with the goal of expanding the supply, affordability and availability of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing. ·
• appropriated $619,000.00 for the Emergency Shelter program. The purpose of the program is to provide shelter to homeless individuals and families, renovation, and support services. ·
• approved an ordinance appropriating $55,648 for the Congregate Services Initiative Program, which provides clubs and senior centers serving low income minority populations with food, technical assistance, and nutrition education. ·
• appropriated $19,906 for the Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance program, whose goal it is to provide Medicare beneficiaries with information, counseling and assistance regarding health insurance coverage. It is projected to serve 2,150 clients. ·
• authorized the solicitation of bids for an ADA Title II Compliance Project at Nassau Community College regarding ramp replacement. Estimated cost is $302,430.