Legislator Abrahams Approves Environmental Guidelines for CountyConstruction Projects

Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) this week approved a green building policy for the County, setting guidelines for water and energy consumption on all capital projects involving greater than five thousand square feet and with an estimated construction cost of $1 million dollars. Under the law, the county will use the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a green building system utilized by the United Stated Green Building Council, for new development construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects.

“It is important for Nassau County to continue to be at the forefront when it comes to energy efficiency and environmental protection and this new law is indicative of that effort,” Abrahams said. “Through our open space programs, compressed natural gas bus fleet, and hundreds of acres of pristine parks and preserves, we have shown a commitment to reducing pollution and energy consumption. This initiative is just another step towards a cleaner, healthier county.”

Legislator Abrahams also approved the following resolutions:

An inter-municipal agreement with the Town of Hempstead, to provide lifeguards and first aid services at Nickerson Beach at a cost of $260,000. The Town of Hempstead will be responsible for the training of the lifeguards and first aid services which will be available during hours when swimming is permitted a the beach, pools and campground.

An inter-municipal agreement with the Town of North Hempstead for community visioning projects to be undertaken pursuant to the Nassau County Visioning Program. The Nassau County Visioning Program is a grant program to foster public participation and consensus-building for local improvement projects that spur economic development.

Confirming the reappointment to the Nassau County Sewer and Storm Water Finance Authority of: Patricia M. Canzoneri and Jeffrey S, Schwartz and the appointment to the Nassau County Sewer and Storm Water Finance Authority of Marilyn Gottlieb; and a recommendation to the Commissioner of Housing and Community Renewal of the State of New York the appointment of Charles G. Rudy to the Nassau County Rent Guidelines Board.

The next legislative session is scheduled for September 24 at 10 a.m., One West Street in Mineola.

For more information on green building or the LEEDS rating system, visit these sites:

www.USGBC.org – United States Green Building Council; www.BuildingGreen.com – Information and products used in green building design; www.GreenBuilding.com – Tips and information on building green; www.EPA.gov/greenbuilding - Government page on the benefits of green buildings.