Nassau County's New Empire Zone Program

Mineola, NY- “The Empire Zone will be a boost to the local economy and Zone benefits will not negatively impact school or residential taxes in the community,” stated Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, in anticipation of the official designation from New York State in the next several weeks. “Receiving the Empire Zone designation will be a significant asset in attracting and retaining businesses in Nassau County,” he added. “Government officials at various levels have collaborated to facilitate an economic renaissance in our area,” said Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray.  “I am proud to welcome new business to our region, encourage existing companies to expand and invite job seekers to take advantage of genuine employment opportunities.”

The joint effort of Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead, with the help of the Nassau County State Senate delegation, resulted in the county receiving one of three statewide Empire Zone designations. The Nassau County Empire Zone will include 10 communities, seven in the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead Village, Bethpage, New Cassel and Glen Cove.
Businesses located in Empire Zones may be eligible to apply for several benefits including sales tax exemption, real property and business tax credits for businesses locating and expanding in a zone area. Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead together will appoint a board and staff to administer the program. On or about March 15, 2006, the program will begin accepting applications from eligible businesses.

The purpose of the Empire Zone Program is to attract successful companies to the area and to retain New York companies that might otherwise move to other parts of the country where operating costs are significantly lower.  The program provides eligible companies that increase employment the opportunity to operate on an almost “tax-free” basis for up to 10 years in designated areas.  Additional savings are available, on a declining basis, in years 11 through 15.  Since the zone benefits are reimbursed by the state, municipalities are able to offer the tax incentives without raising local taxes.

Businesses that would like to request an application should call: Nassau County Business Development Unit at 516 571-1946 or The Town of Hempstead Department of Planning and Economic Development at 516-538-7100.