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Community Corner

CITY APPROVES BALANCED BUDGET

CITY APPROVES BALANCED BUDGET

Plan hinges on Beach use, annexed territories

April 1 - The City of Long Beach announced today that it has passed a balanced budget for the first time in over 50 years. The City Council President announced a great reduction in expenses, in addition to anticipated increased revenues. Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray and County Executive Ed Mangano said they may have similar announcements later in the day. Those announcements have been delayed to recent "territorial imperative" activities announced by Long Beach.

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Details of the plan have not been announced. However, one member on the Zoning Board shared some thoughts. "City Residents have long complained about the structure for charges for Beach Passes. This new plan will neutralize those problems."

The new plan hinges around beach rights. Currently, City beach passes are sold mostly on a daily or seasonal basis. Under the new plan, prime summer beach spots will be sold as condominium plots. The condo lots will be limited to 30% of the beach. Seasonal passes will still be available, but with major changes in the pricing structure. Seasonal passes for non-Residents will be maintained at the current rate, while the cost of Resident passes will double. An official explained "Residents can see the Beach year-round. It's time we give out-of-towners more of an opportunity to share our beauty. Besides, this anticipated change should bring in much additional revenue for local businesses, enhancing our already-thriving downtown." The plan has already been endorsed by local businesses such as Waldbaum's, 7-11, and Starbuck's.

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The Condo plan will be managed by iStar Residential Corporation. iStar clarified that these condo will consist solely of the beach sand itself, and no permanent structures can be built on the 20x20 ft units. However, owners may construct temporary daily shelters and structures, but a strict height limit of 12 feet will be enforced.

Officials noted another change in the structure of Resident Season Passes. Previously, Family passes have allowed admission for unlimited childrens' admissions. This season Long Beach will adopt China's "one child" policy. One child will be included with each Family pass. Passes must be bought for additional children. A City official noted, "we've known for a long time that much crime on the beach comes from juveniles, and this should help." Details will be announced.

Originally, a cooperative plan was proposed for neighboring beaches by the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County. However, late-breaking developments today may make those plans moot. As reported in City By The Sea, the City Of Long Beach is moving to annex neighboring communities. This will provide for one government, which should make new beach plans easier to implement. http://www.seabythecity.com/?p=21553

In addition to the beach plans, it is expected that the newly annexed territories will bring in significant revenue. Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray has already signed a non-aggression pact with the City, allowing for Long Beach to build a Sewage Treatment Plant in the area formerly known as East Atlantic Beach. iStar bulldozers will begin the economic cleansing program there shortly.

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