Thursday, December 29, 2011

Receiver of Taxes to Host Taxpayer Forums

Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin has announced his winter series of taxpayer forums at local libraries. As part of his commitment to making government work effectively for the residents of the township, Clavin will discuss important issues such as assessment challenges, tax exemptions, tax discounts, property tax payment dates and convenient tax payment options.

“As we approach the annual grievance period during which property owners may apply for a reduction in assessed value of their property, it is important that residents understand the steps they can take if they believe that their home’s assessment is out of line (too high) with comparable properties in their neighborhoods,” said Clavin. “My taxpayer forums give residents an opportunity to ask questions, address any ‘taxpayer’ concerns that they may have and obtain valuable information about tax reduction programs in which the town participates.”

Tax Forums are scheduled as follows:

January 12- 2 p.m., Lynbrook Library, 56 Eldert St.
January 17-1 p.m., Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Rd.
January 19- 1 p.m., Hewlett-Woodmere Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett
January 25- 2 p.m., Oceanside Public Library, 30 Davison Ave.
January 26- 2 p.m., Levittown Library, 1 Bluegrass La.
February 2- 2 p.m., Hempstead Library, 115 Nichols Ct., Hempstead
February 8- 1 p.m., Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke.
February 9- 2 p.m., Baldwin Library, 2385 Grand Ave.
February 21- 2 p.m., Merrick Library, 2279 Merrick Ave.
“These forums are just another way in which Hempstead Town is doing its part to keep taxpayers informed so they do not have to pay one penny more than their fair share of taxes,” remarked Town Supervisor Kate Murray.

Forums are free, and all are welcome to attend. For further information about taxpayer forums, please call the Office of the Receiver of Taxes at (516) 538-1500.

“I encourage residents to attend one of the upcoming forums and learn how they might be able to reduce their property tax burdens,” concluded Clavin.

Local Taxi Companies Offer Free Rides to Fight DWI

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Acting Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter announced today a STOP-DWI initiative that will put more police officers on the streets during the holiday season, and also announced the Holiday Free Ride Initiative supported by local taxi companies. The County Executive and Acting Police Commissioner were joined by President of All Island Transportation Larry Blessinger; Margaret Rebholz of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); and Marge Lee, Executive Director of DEDICATEDD.


The “STOP DWI” program is funded by DWI fines collected in Nassau County and will provide the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) and police departments throughout the county with additional funding that will be utilized to implement an effective DWI saturation enforcement strategy that has proven very successful in years past. The NCPD’s Highway Patrol Bureau will coordinate and plan this initiative that will target certain areas throughout the county.

“Nassau County Police will be targeting drunk drivers and looking to prevent the kind of senseless alcohol-related accidents that too often occur during the holidays. My message is clear: if you drink and drive here in Nassau County you will be arrested and prosecuted,” said County Executive Mangano. “I urge everyone to be responsible and to plan accordingly so all can return home safely to their loved ones. Be smart -a taxi is a much better choice than the backseat of a patrol car. Choose your ride, don’t drink and drive.”

Since December 10th, local taxi companies have been offering free rides to those who need a ride home in an effort to deter drunk driving and prevent holiday celebrations from ending in tragedy or arrest. They will continue to offer free rides through January 1, 2012. This public service will be available throughout Nassau County and Eastern Queens by calling (516) 326-9090, and also includes rides back to the driver’s car the next day.

The following companies are participating in the Holiday Free Ride Taxi Initiative:
* Ollie’s Taxi & Airport Service
* All Island Transportation
* Taxi Latino
* Luxury Transportation
* Glen Belle Car Service
* Deluxe Transportation

“I am pleased to support and promote this generous offer of public service by the local taxi companies listed above, said Acting Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter. There is no acceptable excuse for DWI with this offer of a free ride. If you do so in Nassau County, you will be arrested.”

“We want all of our residents and customers to be safe over the holiday season. During this joyous time of year, our goal is to prevent or stop any horrible tragedies. If we can avoid one accident or someone from being injured, it is well worth it. Don’t drink and drive, let your Transportation Companies be your designated driver and keep you safe,” said Marianne Blessinger, President of Ollie’s Taxi and Airport Service.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Project 21 Arrests

12/7/2011 370 WOODFIELD RD WEST HEMPSTEAD 508
KEE DELI
18:55 -
Officers were working in plainclothes participating in Project 21 initiative, illegal
sale of tobacco to minors. Arresting officers were present at the above business when an underage agent working for the police department entered this location and bought one pack of Marlboro Light cigarettes from the defendant. The defendant did not ask for or check the identification of this agent. Defendant placed under arrest and transported to the Fifth Precinct for processing.

12/7/2011 100 W MERRICK RD VALLEY STREAM 518
SHELL GAS STATION
20:55 -
Officers were working in plainclothes participating in Project 21 initiative, illegal
sale of tobacco to minors. Arresting officers were present at the above business when an underage agent working for the police department entered this location and bought one pack of Marlboro Light cigarettes from the defendant . The defendant did not ask for or check the identification of this agent. Defendant placed under arrest and transported to the Fifth Precinct for processing.

12/7/2011 530 FRANKLIN AVE FRANKLIN SQUARE 506
GETTY GAS STATION
20:00 -
Officers were working in plainclothes participating in Project 21 initiative, illegal
sale of tobacco to minors. Arresting officers were present at the above business when an underage agent working for the police department entered this location and bought one pack of Marlboro Light cigarettes from the defendant. The defendant did not ask for or check the identification of this agent. Defendant placed under arrest and transported to the Fifth Precinct for processing.

12/7/2011 758 FRANKLIN AVE NORTH VALLEY STREAM 510
VALERO GAS STATION
Officers were working in plainclothes participating in Project 21 initiative, illegal
sale of alcohol to minors. Arresting officers were present at the above business when an underage agent working for the police department entered this location and bought one 24 oz can of Coors Light from the defendant. The defendant did not ask for or check the identification of this agent. Defendant placed under arrest and transported to the Fifth Precinct for processing.