Hempstead Town Notebook: Arena Development Zone Approved by Town, Pet Adoption Program Announced

Town Approves Development Zone for New Coliseum

Town of Hempstead officials said Tuesday that the town has approved a new development zone for the arena.

The approval allows for 5.4 million square feet of construction, including all building and parking structures.

The alternative zone is comprised of many of the same types of development that were sought by the Lighthouse Group. The town's zone, however, scales back the density contemplated under the Lighthouse Plan to a level that Supervisor Kate Murray termed "significant, yet reasonable."

Among the types of development permitted in the newly created zone are convention halls, hotels, retail, restaurants, offices, residential units, entertainment uses and a new or refurbished Coliseum.

According to town officials, the area surrounding the Coliseum now has the densest zoning in all of Hempstead.

Town Announces Pet Adoption Program

Hempstead Town is holding its “Summer of Love” pet adoption program from now until Sept. 25. During this time, the town is waiving a complement of fees at Hempstead Town’s Animal Shelter for pets that are adopted during the summer season.

The town will be eliminating all adoption fees, including the cost of vaccinations, and all spaying and neutering services as well. The town will also be microchipping the pets to provide a free method of identification in the event they are lost.

Anyone interested in viewing pets that are available for adoption can visit Hempstead Town’s website at www.TOH.LI and use the Petfinder link.

Additionally, pet lovers are welcomed to visit the animal shelter at 3320 Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, prospective pet owners can call the shelter at 516-785-5220.

Santino Honored By Chabad Outreach Center

In celebration of 17 years of community and involvement on the South Shore, the Chabad Outreach Center honored Town of Hempstead Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino with its Public Service Award. The award was presented at the Center's annual fundraising dinner on June 16, at Temple Torah in Little Neck.

Councilman Santino joins other notable town residents who have each contributed to the Chabad Outreach Center's mission and work.