By Jeff Lipton
State economic development officials turned down an application by the county to set up Empire Zones in nine key neighborhoods. Besides Elmont, up for the designation, in a package deal, were Bethpage, Freeport, Glen Cove, Village of Hempstead, Inwood, New Castle, Roosevelt and Uniondale. If the designation was approved, businesses in these areas would have been given tax breaks and other incentives just for operating there.
The state opted, instead, to approve the Empire Zone for six other counties, all of them poorer areas upstate.
The designation, community leaders said, would have given Inwood a major shot in the arm.
"We're disappointed, very disappointed," said Tom Dunham, a spokesperson for State Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre), who was pushing the Empire Zone designation for the Long Island communities. "This doesn't mean that we will stop trying."
He said it is very likely that they would be pushed for the designation in future applications with the state.
He brushed aside notions that rejecting the county was a political move, since County Executive Thomas Suozzi is a Democrat and Gov. George Pataki is a Republican.
"I wouldn't say it is political," Dunham said. "There are a number of factors for the designation."
Neighborhoods eligible for the designation generally have higher unemployment rates and are areas in need of economic recovery, and Dunham said the areas chosen upstate probably are more economically-deprived.
The criteria also revolves around local wealth and property values, he said.
The zones will give businesses tax breaks and tax credits to remain in the area or expand their businesses, as well as lure new companies to the community. Each zone spans about two and a half square miles, not necessarily contiguous, but "parceled up in various areas that fit the criteria," Dunham said.
There are 62 Empire Zones across the state and the state budget had authorized the creation of about another 10. The decision about which areas receive such a designation is made by the Empire State Development Corp.
Suozzi visited the Five Towns last month to announce his comprehensive economic development plan for the county and in his report he lists Elmont and Inwood as areas in need of assistance through economic incentive programs.
Nassau County Legis. Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside) said the state's decision was a setback, but Toback would not go as far as to suggest that the state turning down the county for Empire Zone status would derail Suozzi's plan.
"Obviously, it isn't good news," Toback said of the rejection. "There are areas in the county that can benefit by Nassau being included in the [Empire Zone] program.
Toback also denied that the selection process was political, especially since the state has come to the aid of the county with a significant aid package to help get it out of financial difficulties. "There are upstate counties that are in desperate need of a shot in the arm."
A town plan, which is very similar to the county's, is still on the table, and includes Elmont, Franklin Square, West Hempstead, Inwood, Roosevelt, Uniondale, Village of Hempstead and Freeport.
