FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                                CONTACT: David Chauvin

December 9, 2006                                                                 (516) 869-7794

NEW YORK STATE GRANTS LANDMARK STATUS TO NORTH HEMPSTEAD TOWN HALL

Manhasset, NY – North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman announced today that the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has approved the Town’s application to have North Hempstead Town Hall designated as a landmark, and has placed Town Hall on the State’s Landmark Registry. North Hempstead Town Hall is located at 220 Plandome Road in Manhasset.

“I’m very pleased to announce the State’s decision to grant our application and have North Hempstead Town Hall designated as an historical landmark,” said Supervisor Kaiman. “Due to this designation, the Town is now eligible for New York State Environmental Protection Funding grants to improve the historic portions of the property. Additionally, Town Hall is now eligible to be listed on the National Historic Register, and this will lead to further funding opportunities and further recognition of Town Hall’s importance in the historical development of the Town.”

Town Clerk Michelle Schimel added: “Town Hall has served its function in doing the people’s business, without pause, for one hundred years. As Town Hall celebrates its upcoming centennial, it will remain an emblem of hope for architectural and community stability in rapidly changing times.”

The State will now forward the application to Washington for listing on the National Register. According to the National Park Service, listing of Town Hall on the National Register of Historic Places would allow the Town to:

·  Receive the honor of recognition for being locally, regionally or nationally important,

·  Be considered “in planning for Federal, federally-licensed and federally-assisted projects” by allowing the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to oversee the Federal planning process as it relates to historic properties, and

·  Be eligible for Federal historic preservation grants to improve historic properties on the National Register.

“I want to particularly thank Town Clerk Michelle Schimel for her impassioned speech to the State Review Board in support of our application for designation as an historical landmark,” Supervisor Kaiman concluded.