Hempstead board approves veterans tax exemption, zoning extension and several local measures
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Summary
At its Feb. 10 meeting the Hempstead Town Board adopted multiple local measures including opt‑in to New York State's disabled‑veteran property tax exemption, extensions of two‑family zoning provisions, and several traffic and sanitation items; the board also continued an animal‑registry hearing to Feb. 24.
The Hempstead Town Board adopted a package of local measures during its Feb. 10, 2026 meeting, voting to implement a state disabled‑veteran property tax exemption, renew zoning rules allowing certain two‑family uses, approve traffic‑control changes and authorize surplus equipment sales for Sanitary District No. 6.
The board voted—by roll call—to opt into the New York State law that provides a real‑property tax exemption for veterans who are completely disabled and unable to work. Town officials said the local enactment implements the state law and that the measure will allow eligible veterans to receive the exemption at the municipal level.
The board also approved an amendment to paragraph b of section 78, article 8 of the town building‑zone ordinance to extend certain two‑family uses through Dec. 31, 2030. Town staff and the town attorney said the extension applies only to lots that already met the 6,000‑square‑foot lot‑size threshold under a 1981 resolution; it does not confer new conversion rights on one‑family properties.
Other approvals included two traffic‑related local laws (parking/standing prohibitions in Bellmore and arterial stops near Valley Stream) and a resolution authorizing Sanitary District No. 6 to sell surplus machinery and equipment at auction, with proceeds to be returned to the sanitary district budget.
The board moved, seconded and recorded roll‑call "ayes" on the items listed on the agenda (see vote record in provenance). A hearing on a proposed Cat and Dog Litter Registry (chapter 153 of the Hempstead Town Code), which would limit backyard breeding and create a litter registry, was introduced but continued to the board's Feb. 24 meeting so staff can add enforcement language recommended by the building commissioner.
What the measures mean: the veterans exemption implements a recent state change so qualifying, fully disabled veterans can receive property relief locally; the two‑family extension preserves a zoning status for qualifying lots that the board has renewed periodically since 1981; the traffic measures change on‑street rules in specific neighborhoods; and proceeds from auctioned equipment will fund operations for Sanitary District No. 6.
The board recorded unanimous support for the adopted items during the meeting; specific vote tallies and the transcript segments where motions were made and votes recorded are available in the meeting provenance.
