Politics & Government

Denenberg: Nassau "Lease" with Molloy Is Improper

Legislator says parks deal is alienation and subject to full vote.

Legis. Dave Denenberg, D-Merrick, called a proposed agreement between the county and Molloy College a “lease” that requires approval of the full 19-member Nassau Legislature and the New York State Legislature.

Denenberg stated the agreement, which would allow Molloy the right to use playing fields at Mitchel Field in Uniondale at half the public fee, a 30-year “lease.”  According to the county charter, leases are required to be implemented by ordinance after a public hearing and must be approved by a majority of the full legislature.  Additionally, state law requires that alienation of parkland be approved by the state legislature.

Denenberg noted that, “New York State Court decisions make it absolutely clear that even a so called permit that provides exclusive use is an alienation of parkland that requires state legislative approval.  This 30-year agreement to provide exclusive use of a ball park at Mitchel Field is the same as a lease and therefore an illegal alienation of parkland.”

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“This is an attempted 30-year give away of county property by the Mangano administration,” said Legislator Denenberg.

Denenberg will be sending letters to the State Attorney General and the Comptroller for their opinions regarding violation of state law and the county charter.

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The deal was tabled during a hearing of the county Rules Committee on Monday for a report to be drafted from the independent budget office so that legislators can better explore the issue and hear from the public.  The next full meeting of the Nassau County Legislature will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 25 in Mineola.


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