Suozzi Signs $100 Million Open Space Bond Referendum

---Voters to Decide in November Whether to Approve Additional Funds to Preserve Open Space

Old Westbury, NY – Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi today signed a bill approving a $100 million bond referendum that will appear on this November’s ballot for voters’ approval. The bond is dedicated to the preservation of open space and environmental improvements throughout the County. The bill was approved unanimously by the County Legislature Tuesday night.

“We are running out of open space in the county,” said Suozzi. “Development pressures on remaining land are significant. These funds will help us continue the county’s program to preserve open spaces, and protect the environment for generations to come,” Suozzi said. “Every resident of Nassau County will benefit from this bond. I encourage voters to approve this measure on Election Day.”

The first open space bond preserved more than 72 acres of land and development rights were purchased on 43 acres. In addition to land preservation, local parks were improved, and clean water and brownfield projects were also undertaken.

If approved by voters, a charter amendment will set up an environmental fund to be paid off through a dedicated tax which is estimated to cost the average tax payer about $16 a year for 20 years. An advisory panel of experts will recommend to the county a list of open space parcels for purchase and park, water resource and other environmental improvements with proceeds from the new bond, Suozzi said. The County Legislature’s approval is required before the new purchases of land are finalized.

A number of leading environmentalists joined Suozzi at a bill signing ceremony at Old Westbury Gardens, which will benefit from nearby land purchased under the county’s first round of open space land acquisition that voters previously approved. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Westbury Gardens is one of the most popular recreational destinations in the county. The former home of John S. Phipps, his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps and their four children, it was completed in 1906 and encompass 160 acres of formal gardens, landscaped grounds, woodlands, ponds and lakes.