Town Hears from Public - Shines "Light" on Lighthouse Plan for 150-Acre Development
September 22, 2009

A real estate development proposal, calling for the construction of over 30 buildings - many of which are between 10 and 20 stories high - along with the refurbishment of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, was the subject of a major zoning hearing today. The Hempstead Town Board heard from Lighthouse Development Group principal Charles Wang concerning his plan to develop 150 acres in Uniondale which surround and include the Nassau Coliseum. In addition, members of the public, elected officials, community leaders and Town Board members posed questions and explored a host of issues related to the scope, size, nature and practical implementation of the Lighthouse Development Plan.

"Development is coming to the property surrounding the Coliseum," stated Murray. "I know it and anyone committed to the future of our region knows it too. The focus of this hearing is to determine whether this proposal, calling for more than 30 buildings, is appropriate for the site."

The zoning hearing focused on the size, scope and character of the development proposal. Impact on the local infrastructure, area schools, traffic, surrounding businesses and residences was also the subject of questions and discussion. The compatibility of proposals with the community's vision for the region was an area of focus as well.

"Progressive development is needed at Nassau's HUB and will bring with it a host of benefits," stated Murray. "Construction and other jobs, economic stimulation and tax revenues are just a few of the 'positives' that come with major construction projects. At the same time town officials know that this type of project is too important not to review carefully. There are no second chances on projects like this, and our children and grandchildren will have to live with the decisions that we make today."

Murray observed that the town has moved Lighthouse reviews through the town efficiently. After the Lighthouse plan languished in Nassau County for over five years, Hempstead has taken charge of overseeing a host of environmental reviews, hearings and reports for the project, including the zoning hearing - all within a 19-month timeframe.

This hearing is the latest chapter of the review process for the Lighthouse Project, which has moved at an expedited rate. In fact, the 2009 project review itinerary alone has been impressive, and the pace with which town reviews have been conducted is unparalleled:

February 2009 - Town Board adopts environmental scope, outlining environmental issues to be addressed by developer.

July 2009 - Town Board accepts Supervisor's recommendation to accept developer's draft of environmental reports (DGEIS) as ready for public review.

August 2009 - Town Board holds public environmental hearing on Lighthouse Project.

August 2009 - Public comment period on developer's environmental report ends, town reviews public comments.

September 22, 2009 Town Board held Lighthouse zoning hearing.

Recently, the Supervisor has communicated with Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi, asking that he include certain safeguards for taxpayers and other Long Islanders in a lease agreement between Nassau and Lighthouse developers for the county-owned property upon which the Lighthouse Project is proposed to be built. Some of the lease provisions that Murray is calling for in writing and to which it is believed the developer has publicly committed include:

-Long-term commitment to keep the Islanders on Long Island.
-Guarantee to use local labor and pay prevailing wages.
-Disallow any Industrial Development Agency assistance that would result in exemptions/abatements from the property taxes that the developer has indicated the project would produce.

"Moving the Lighthouse Project forward has been something the Hempstead Town Board has taken seriously," concluded Murray.

"Equally important, our town council members and I are dedicated to making sure we review proposals like this fully, protect residents and do our job right. After all, projects such as this will change the face of the suburbs for generations to come. Doing our job right is more important than doing it fast."