Politics & Government

North Hempstead Notebook: Town Wins Suit, Online Petition And Parking

Happenings around the town.

North Hempstead taxpayers will no longer have to pay subsidies for students enrolled in baccalaureate or masters degree programs at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in Manhattan. 

Current state education law dictates that a county can impose tuition charges onto its towns whose residents attend a community college. However, Nassau County tried to charge back the towns for residents enrolled in masters and baccalaureate programs, which are not covered under state law.

The Town of North Hempstead decided to sue the county after it backcharged $10,900 for each county resident enrolled in an FIT 4-year and graduate program.

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“The court’s decision correctly relieves local taxpayers of this unfair and inequitable burden,” Supervisor Jon Kaiman said, in a press release. “I am also pleased that the benefits of this victory can be shared by all the residents of the towns and cities in Nassau County, that is if the county joins our suit instead of opposing us every step of the way.”

According to the town, the cost to North Hempstead taxpayers would have been $1.17 million just for 2010.

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Supreme Court Justice Anthony Parga issued the ruling this week. 

Martins sets up online petition to repeal MTA Payroll Tax

State established an , in an effort to boost Long Island’s economy. Businesses, school districts, local governments, hospitals and non-profits all pay the tax, which Martins says is burdensome.

The senate passed a bill, co-sponsored by Martins, in the last legislative session to phase out the tax. And while the bill had bi-partisan support, the Assembly did not bring it to a vote. Now Long Island senators aim to show “the Assembly leadership that there is overwhelming support to repeal the MTA Payroll Tax when session resumes in January,” according to a press release.

Access the petition by visiting Martins' website. 

More Parking in Port Washington

The Town of North Hempstead recently opened two new parking lots in Port Washington.

Located on South Bayles Avenue and on the corner of Jackson Avenue and Main Street, the lots are intended to add convenience for both commuters and shoppers alike. Residents and business owners in Port Washington have long complained 


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