Nassau Notebook: New Isles Arena, Redistricting Ceased

Legislative Redistricting Ceased

Hundreds of Nassau residents protested against a Republican-led plan to change legislative lines at the Nassau County Legislature Monday.

Several residents voiced a variation of the same objection, accusing the representatives of political gerrymandering and expediting a process which Democrats say previously took place over a two-year period.

A few days later, a Nassau judge ruled that the legislature cannot vote the plan into law for this year’s election.

Nassau Legislative Majority Leader Peter Schmitt, R-Massapequa, added, "we’re reviewing the judge’s decision."

A Potential New Home for the Islanders

County Executive Ed Mangano and Islanders owner Charles Wang, together with Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray unveiled a plan that would keep the New York Islanders pro hockey team in Nassau after their lease expires in 2015.

The proposal, which includes a sports entertainment complex adjacent to the existing Coliseum, would only move forward if county residents approve $400 million in bonds. That vote takes place on Aug. 1.

Though Mangano said the Islanders would pay the county back through revenue earned at the new coliseum, NIFA, the state oversight board charged with reviewing the county's finances, is currently evaluating the deal.

Parking Tickets Eligible for Amnesty Program

County Executive Ed Mangano announced that the Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency (TPVA) will be holding an amnesty program for all parking tickets issued prior to Jan. 1, 2010. The amnesty program will begin on May 16, 2011 and continue through June 30, 2011.

During the amnesty period fees and late charges will be waived.  Full value will be restored once amnesty program has concluded.  All payments must be received by July 1, 2011 in order to be considered part of the amnesty settlement. Any payment received after July 1, 2011, will be credited towards the full remaining balance. Full remaining balance means that penalties and other fees will be restored to its full original balance prior to the amnesty program.

All vehicles that have three or more unresolved parking violations or unresolved Red Light Camera Notices of Liability, also known as scofflaws, will be subject to Nassau County’s Boot and Tow Program.  As part of the County’s Boot and Tow Program, violating vehicles will be immobilized, removed from the scene and stored.  The recovering party will be liable for these expenses.   The vehicle will not be released until all fines, surcharges and additional fees are paid in full.

Residents can search for and pay unpaid parking tickets that qualify for the County’s Amnesty Program by visiting the following website: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/amnesty.  For additional information, residents can contact our Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency via email at TPVA.Amnesty@nassaucountyny.gov or by phone at 516-572-0954.