Bonilla Ousted as Clerk, Town Waives Sandy Fees

Mark Bonilla has been asked to vacate his post as Hempstead Town Clerk by the end of the business day Thursday after being found guilty on one count of official misconduct in July.

The clerk of Nassau District Court sent a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo earlier this week notifying the governor of Bonilla’s conviction.

Click the headline to read more.

Town Waves Sandy-Related Fees

Hempstead Town is extending the moratorium on building department permit fees and town clerk issued certificates, licenses and passports. The most recent renewal continues the waiver period through Dec. 31. 

In the building department, all town fees are waived for Sandy-related structural repairs that confirm to original dimensions and specifications, commonly referred to as “in-kind” repairs/replacement. Additionally, all town fees have been waived for temporary housing trailers and storage pods during construction.

Furthermore, the town has eliminated a requirement for homeowners to obtain a variance prior to increasing their home’s foundation to comply with FEMA flood height standards.

In the office of the town clerk, residents who lost important documents during Hurricane Sandy, such as certificates and passports, will not have to pay the town fees for replacement copies.

Though appointments are not necessary, town residents planning to visit the  Building Department on Sandy related issues are urged to call ahead of time at (516) 812-3073 to minimize waiting-times. Information relative to Town Clerk matters can be obtained at (516) 489-5000, ext. 3046.

Town Waiving Pet Adoption Fees During ‘Woofstock’

To mark 44 years since Woodstock, the Hempstead Town Animal Shelter will be waiving all pet adoption fees during its “Free Love Woofstock and Newpurrt Festival” on Aug. 17.

Shelter dogs will be performing tricks, agility trials, swimming and demonstrating noseworks. “Woofstock” will also featured music from Walking the Line and a surprise guest.

In addition, there will be raffles and baked goods. Inside the shelter, residents can enjoy the benefit of free adoptions, spay/neuter, rabies vaccinations, microchipping and, for cats, testing for feline AIDS/leukemia.

The Animal Shelter is located at 3320 Beltagh Ave. in Wantagh. For more information, please contact the shelter at (516) 785-5220.