Mineola, NY - Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi today unveiled the County's first ever, comprehensive Economic Development Plan. Dividing the County into 35 economic zones, the plan identifies specific goals for dealing with the problems Nassau faces as America's first suburban County: over development of commercial strips, traffic congestion, high cost of living and pockets of poverty. Developed after 10 months of work, the strategy attacks one of the County Executive's two greatest priorities upon taking office: solving the fiscal crisis and creating a plan for the future economic development of Nassau County.

(L to R): County Executive Thomas Suozzi, second from left, discusses his Economic Development Plan with Hempstead Supervisor Richard Guardino, North Hempstead May Newburger, and Oyster Bay Supervisor John Vendito.

"Our objectives are threefold," said County Executive Suozzi. "First, we must preserve and enhance our suburban quality of life. Second, we must create and attract high wage jobs with good benefits. And finally, we must expand our tax base."

Central to the plan are six countywide goals or solutions:

1. Promoting High-Tech/High-Skilled Industry;
2. The Revitalization of Downtowns;
3. Redeveloping Brownfields;
4. Workforce and Senior Housing;
5. Preserve and Secure Open Space;
6. The Promotion of Sports, Entertainment and Tourism throughout the County.

As part of the process, the County will be soliciting ideas and input from residents. "I intend to create an open dialogue with county residents, as well as existing organizations and other officials, in order to develop a Community Vision for Nassau. By creating 35 Economic Zones, each area having one or more downtown business district, we can focus planning by community, instead of by the often overlapping municipal boundaries," stated the County Executive.

Click Here to download Nassau County's Economic Development Plan