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Resident questions $9 million eminent-domain plan for West Hempstead site; supervisor says uses not finalized
Summary
A resident asked why the town is pursuing a $9 million eminent-domain acquisition for a West Hempstead property; the supervisor said the land could be used for a range of future purposes and that the tax impact would be spread over time.
A resident asked the Town of Hempstead Town Board on March 2025 to clarify a proposed $9 million eminent-domain purchase alleged to support a recreation center in West Hempstead.
Karen Montalbano, identifying herself from Park Avenue in Baldwin, asked, “why we're spending $9,000,000 in eminent domain to buy a property to create a recreation center.” She said neighborhood crime and blight issues had prompted calls for action in recent years.
Supervisor Don Clavin responded that the acquisition is not limited to a single use. “It could be a parking lot. The town could, in the future, decide to sell it. There could be senior citizen housing there. There could be veterans housing there. It could be a commercial slip,” he said, adding that the board had looked into a recreational facility among other options.
When pressed about tax consequences, a town official said the proposed capital plan that may include the purchase would be brought before the board. The official explained the cost would be financed over time: “that $9,000,000 will be spread across the ... 30 years and through the 800,000 residents of the town of Hempstead,” as stated in the transcript. The board did not provide supporting documents or a definitive financing schedule during the meeting.
Supervisor Clavin also invited the resident to meet with staff and the commissioner of engineering to discuss local road and infrastructure priorities and said the capital-budget package would include repairs to water, roads and parks.
No formal board action on an eminent-domain acquisition or a bond resolution appears in the meeting transcript; the discussion occurred during public comment and informational responses by staff and the supervisor.
