Planned Seaford Car Dealership Seeking Tax Assistance

The owner of a Massapequa car dealership slated to move into the old Bast Chevrolet location on Sunrise Highway in Seaford, has applied to receive tax assistance from the Hempstead Industrial Development Agency (IDA).

Massapequa Nissan owner John Staluppi recently purchased the 2.33- acre parcel on 3660 Sunrise Hwy. Construction is currently taking place on the Seaford property to create a 49,250 square-foot collection of buildings that will be the new home of Massapequa Nissan, which currently operates on 4550 Sunrise Hwy., Massapequa. The planned renovation includes modifications and upgrades to the interior finished and building facade and repairs to the building's mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

JS 3660 Sunrise Realty, LLC, an entity formed on behalf of Massapequa Nissan, will have its application to receive tax assistance from the recent acquisition considered at a Hempstead IDA meeting scheduled for Tuesday morning. The Town of Hempstead IDA is a non-profit, public benefit agency with the power to help qualified local businesses and not-for-profit organizations relocate, expand and build within the township with a variety of financial options. The agency is headed by former Nassau County Comptroller Fred Parola, a lifelong Wantagh resident.

Massapequa Nissan is seeking a 10-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes(PILOT) agreement for its new Seaford location, town officials said. Further details on the PILOT agreement are expected to be made available at the end of the public hearing and if the project is approved, according to town officials.

Hempstead officials expect Massapequa Nissan’s new Seaford dealership  to create 25 new jobs by the second year at the new location.

“Hempstead Town is proactive in attracting businesses to our township, particularly in difficult economic times,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray.

Seaford Superintendent of Schools Brian Conboy said during the Aug. 11 school board meeting that the property on 3660 Sunrise Hwy. is the largest commercial tax revenue that the district currently has and urged residents to attend the IDA meeting. Ken W. Aldrich, Seaford’s Assistant Superintendent, will represent the district at the meeting.

Director Frank McKenna is also planning to attend Tuesday’s IDA meeting. Seaford Public Library president Peter Ruffner expressed concerns about how the IDA’s tax assistance would impact tax revenue it receives from the large Sunrise Highway parcel.

“As much as we really want that property developed to become a vital part of the community again, the concern is whether the tax abatement is actually needed in order to accomplish this because then the rest of the taxpayers have to make up the difference,” said Ruffner, a former Nassau County IDA board member.

The Hempstead IDA meeting where Massapequa Nissan’s application will be discussed is scheduled to start at 9:15 a.m. on 350 Front St., Hempstead.