Mineola, NY – Nassau County, with a population of over 1.3 million people has one of the largest number of veterans in New York state, and nation. As of 2017, more than 45,000 veterans resided in Nassau. Today, members of the Nassau County Legislature joined with veterans and advocates to announce two new pieces of legislation to support those who have served our nation, ahead of Veterans day.
The first piece of legislation creates ‘veteran only’ parking spots at all Nassau County buildings, parks and facilities. The new law would require the office of Public Works to provide at least 2 spots for veteran only parking at all County-owned or run buildings and the Commissioner of Parks to provide two exclusive veterans parking spots at all County run parks containing at least 30 parking spaces in a single parking lot. The new spots will be marked by signage, and the Office of Veteran Affairs will issue tags to hang from rear-view mirrors to designate those allowed to park in veteran spots.
The second piece of legislation creates discounts at County run facilities for veteran holders of New York State’s Lifetime Liberty Passes. New York State Lifetime Liberty passes provide disabled veterans with free or discounted use of facilities run by the State. This legislation will extend the benefits of those with New York State Lifetime Liberty passes to also include Nassau County facilities, by eliminating for them any resident, seasonal, individual or vehicle fee for admission into County Parks.
“Our veterans have given so much to our country. Their service and sacrifice have made the United States the greatest nation in the world,” Nassau County Legislature Presiding Officer Richard Nicolello said. “These local laws are another way to say ‘Thank you’ for all that our veterans have done to preserve our freedoms and way of life.”
“As Veterans Day approaches, these bills are an opportunity to show our veterans how much we appreciate their service to our nation,” said LT. Colonel (retired) and Nassau County Legislator Bill Gaylor. “I will continue to look for new and innovative ways to give back to our veterans, law enforcement, first responders and more who dedicate themselves to public service.”