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North Hempstead board debates alternate BZA members; hearing continued to Feb. 11
Summary
The board discussed a proposed local law to allow two alternate BZA members. Debate centered on continuity, when alternates would vote, and cost (a board member cited up to $30,000); the board voted to continue the hearing to Feb. 11 so the town attorney can study funding and codification options.
The Town of North Hempstead board on Jan. 14, 2025 opened a public hearing on a proposed local law to add two alternate members to the Board of Zoning Appeals and continued the matter to Feb. 11 for further review.
Deborah Algios, the deputy town attorney, described how alternates would be appointed and used: "the way it would work is the town board will appoint the 2 members," she said, explaining that alternates would receive the meeting materials, could visit sites subject to appeals and, if designated by the chairman, would be recorded in the minutes. Algios also noted that the town records hearings by transcript and video for absent members to review.
Board members raised several concerns during a lengthy discussion: continuity when an alternate hears only part of a matter, whether the practice should be codified rather than left to counsel’s guidance, and the potential cost to taxpayers. One board member said the alternate structure could cost "up to $30,000," prompting suggestions for ways to limit the town’s exposure. A proposal put forward during discussion was to offset any alternate pay by reducing the stipend of the absent regular member so the change would not increase net town spending; Algios said she would research whether that approach is feasible.
Another practical question under discussion was the per-meeting stipend for alternates. The hearing record shows a cited approach that divides a board member’s annual stipend by the number of meetings, yielding an estimated per-meeting rate of about $600, a figure discussed at the table.
Why it matters: The change would alter BZA operations and the applicant/appeal process by allowing designated alternates to participate when regular members are absent. Board members and applicants raised competing concerns about preserving continuity and avoiding extra taxpayer cost.
What’s next: The board voted to continue the public hearing on the local law to Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. so the town attorney can report back on funding options and possible codified protocols.
