Politics & Government

Mark Bonilla Not Named on Town Ticket

A weekly look-in at news from around the Town of Hempstead.

The Town of Hempstead Republican Committee announced this week that current town clerk Mark Bonilla will not be alongside Supervisor Kate Murray on the town’s ticket for the next election.

In a press releasing naming councilman Anthony Santino to the ticket, the town also said that he would be joined by “Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and Nasrin Ahmad who will be running for Town Clerk.”

Bonilla was arrested in Sept. 2012 after allegedly trying to force one of an employee to supply him with compromising photos of a female employee.

Murray came out and condemned Bonilla’s alleged behavior shortly after the arrest was reported.

“I am personally offended and disgusted by the alleged conduct of the town clerk,” Murray said.

Town Extends Moratorium on Sandy-Related Fees

To assist residents still recovering from Hurricane Sandy, Supervisor Kate Murray and the Hempstead Town Board have extended the moratorium on building department permit fees for Sandy victims faced with home repair and/or reconstruction costs.

The town has also extended the moratorium for fees on birth certificates, marriage licenses and passports in the office of the town Clerk.

Those fees, first suspended for Sandy victims in the aftermath of the Superstorm, are now being waived through Sept. 1, 2013.

In the building department, all town fees are waived for Sandy-related structural repairs that conform to original dimensions and specifications, commonly referred to as “in-kind” repairs/replacement. Additionally, all town fees have been waived for temporary housing trailers and storage pods during construction. Furthermore, the town has eliminated a requirement for homeowners to obtain a variance prior to increasing their home’s foundation to comply with FEMA flood height standards.

In the office of the town clerk, residents who lost important documents during Sandy – such as birth certificates and passports – will not have to pay the town fees for replacement copies.

Though no appointments are necessary, residents planning to visit the building department on Sandy-related business are urged to call ahead of time to (516) 812-3073, to minimize waiting times. Neighbors can contact the office of the town clerk at (516) 489-5000 ext. 3046.

Town to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Starbucks

Starbucks could be getting a new location in Levittown if all goes as planned.

The national coffee chain is seeking a special exemption from the Town of Hempstead to demolish the former Rayco4 building and build a new store which would feature a drive-through window.

Town Councilman Gary Hudes announced the company's intentions to build the new location at the February Levittown Property Owner's meeting.

Click here to read more on the potential Starbucks.


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