Nassau County Community Meetings

Nassau County offers residents and workers many different and unique environments: residential neighborhoods, historic downtowns, major commercial centers, and diverse parks and beaches. Quality of life is high, but Nassau County’s built environment is feeling the strain of changing times. Auto dependency has grown dramatically, leading to increased traffic. Housing options have proven to be unaffordable to many. The population has aged and become more diverse, and extensive commercial development has ensured that Nassau County is no longer just a “bedroom community” for New York City. To ensure that future generations enjoy the natural beauty and quality of life that citizens enjoy today, comprehensive planning must take place.

In 2003, the Office of Economic Development prepared a map that divides the County into 35 study areas known as Economic Development Zones (“EDZs”). Each EDZ consists of several communities that share certain characteristics, such as a community name, a major shopping area, or a school district. The EDZs have formed the basis of a series of 35 town-hall style meetings hosted by the County Executive that solicit public input and respond to public concerns about the future growth and development of each area.

For each meeting, economic development professionals research the local communities, meet with local citizens and elected officials, and prepare detailed maps to illustrate land use patterns in the area. The County Executive tours the community with civic leaders and elected officials, and seeks to develop strategies for addressing issues of concern. The community meetings have fostered partnerships between County officials and local citizens, and have led to measurable action on projects related to downtown revitalization, the creation of new housing options, and the preservation of open space. By late 2005, Nassau County will complete the series of meetings and issue a report outlining its findings and recommendations.