Nassau IDA to Vote on Tax Break For 'Superblock' Project

The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency will be voting tonight on the iStar Financial’s application for a $109 million tax breaks on their "Superblock" project in Long Beach.

The vote will take place starting at 5 p.m. at the county Legislative Building in Mineola.

On Wednesday night, the Long Beach School Board voted unanimously against an agreement with the developers of Long Beach Wayfarer who are looking to build two apartment buildings by the boardwalk.

Several local residents have expressed their opposition on the project, which would consist of 522 'luxury' apartments and 11,000 square feet of retail space between Riverside Boulevard and Long Beach Boulevard.

According to the agenda, the hearing is not open to public comments, but opponents have started a petition on Change.org to encourage the IDA to deny the application.

"Despite the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, residents (including those who continue to be displaced) have been responsible for all city, county, state and school taxes," the petition reads. "We believe since the residents of Long Beach pay their taxes, so should iStar."

Members of Project 11561, who started the petition, plan on presenting it to the IDA before the meeting.

The petition has received a total of 1,028 signatures.

"We urge the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency to listen to the citizens of Long Beach and vote against this tax break," the petition reads. "The PILOT will have a direct and devastating impact on our community today and into the future."

Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano stated that he opposes the tax break in a comment on Facebook.

"I stand with the Long Beach community in opposition to the proposed iStar tax benefits," the comment reads. "I have never changed my position and continue to express my opposition."

A rally in support of the project has been planned for 4 p.m. in front of the legislative building in Mineola, according to a flyer posted on Facebook.

According to the flyer, the project will create 2,200 construction jobs and will generate $107 million in taxes for the "status quo."

What do you think? Do you support or oppose the project, let us know in the comments below!

Photo: Google Maps