County Issues RFQ for Hub, Coliseum Plans

After attracting a 100 percent privately-financed Expo Center to Mitchel Field, Nassau County launched on Sunday a sustainable economic development and job creation plan for Nassau's Hub.

According to the county, the redevelopment has been at a logjam between what the present tenant is willing to pay and the actual costs to construct a new sports-entertainment arena to host professional sports, as well as concerts, the circus and other family-fun entertainment.

In an effort to break the logjam and spark development, Nassau County issued a Request-For-Qualifications (RFQ) to select a master developer for the property. The master developer will be charged with bridging the gap between the dollars necessary to construct a new arena and the rent a sports team should realistically pay to play in the arena. The developer will bridge the gap by pursuing mixed-use opportunities to assist in offsetting the costs to construct a new arena.

The RFQ's primary focus is to keep the New York Islanders in Nassau, but to also produce alternative plans for review. The master developer is also tasked with keeping the public informed as the plan progresses.

Independent economists, Camoin Associates, estimate the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum generates $200 million of economic activity annually. Experts believe the Coliseum, the oldest un-renovated facility in the NHL, may shutter its doors should the New York Islanders vacate the venue in 2015 when their lease expires. 

The Islanders have finished last in the NHL's Atlantic Division for the last five seasons.

County Implements Plan to Achieve Up to $25 Million in Savings for Taxpayers

Nassau County on Monday entered into a partnership with Universal Management Technology Solutions, Inc. (UMS) to identify and obtain additional agency savings through strategic sourcing services.

Grant Thornton LLP, a financial advisory firm retained by the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority (NIFA), suggested that the County could save $15 million to $25 million annually by contracting for strategic sourcing services.

Under the contract approved by the Legislature, UMS will review agency spending and contracted services, as well as inventory and usage of purchased products, to determine Nassau County's use-based needs as compared to historical purchasing. This "needs-based" approach to government spending will assist in County Executive Ed Mangano's efforts to reduce spending.

Boating Safety Seminar at Garvies Point

The county is offering a free boating safety course being held on July 21 at Garvies Point Museum. The four-hour seminar, starting at 9 a.m., is being offered by 12-03 Flotilla Commander John Pitrowski and the 42 members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary unit in response to an increase in the number of boating accidents and recent fatalities.

The Flotilla offers a boating safety course twice annually at Garvies Point Museum. The course is prepared by the seasoned sailors and power boaters associated with the unit who will discuss such things as safety issues, situational awareness, boating responsibility and understanding your vessel. Stickers will be distributed to those attending these seminars to help educate the public that Channel 16 is the Emergency Distress Channel for boaters in trouble.

County to Host Free Family-Fun Children's Day at Eisenhower Park

Nassau County will host "Children's Day" on Sunday, July 22 from 4-7 p.m. at Eisenhower Park, sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Admission is free.

From 4-6 p.m. children of all ages will be able to enjoy a variety of activities including carnival rides (ages 2-8), bouncy houses (ages 3-15), face painting and arts and crafts. Beginning at 6 p.m. Plaza Theatrical Productions will be performing Cinderella at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.

County to Host Veteran Stand Down

Nassau County, in coordination with the United Veterans Organization (UVO), announces that a Veterans Stand Down will be held on July 16 at American Legion Post 390 in Hempstead from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Stand Down is hosted by the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency with assistance from volunteers representing all service organizations.

Veterans will receive assistance with securing entitled benefits, job counseling and legal advice at the Stand Down. Clothes and food donated from the community will be available to the veterans, as well as haircuts, medical screening and enrollment in the VA health care system. Representatives from Nassau County government agencies will be participating, including the Departments of Social Services, Health, and Human Services.

Any veteran who wishes to participate in the Veterans Stand Down should bring with them a photo I.D. and a copy of their DD214, VA card, or any record they may have of their service.

For more information, please contact the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency at (516) 572-6560.