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I.P. library, schools locked in tax dispute By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Keith Rossein/Herald
Instructor Steve Solomon, right, sparring with his son Zachary.
Empowering bodies and minds: JCC offers range of boxing classes By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Dozens of athletes gather at Oceanside’s Friedberg JCC each week for a unique lineup of boxing classes that are quickly becoming the undisputed champion in the community. The program has taken off under the leadership of North Merrick resident Steve Solomon. The JCC offers three classes — one for those with special needs, another for those with Parkinson’s disease, both for JCC members, and a third for the general population. The general class is open to JCC members and nonmembers alike, and has quickly become a favorite among boxing enthusiasts across Long Island. The center becomes a sanctuary
— a place where they can push their physical limits and find solace in the rhythms of the ring. Kevin Payne, 24, of New Hyde Park, says the classes have changed his life. Battling weight gain and searching for a sense of belonging, Payne found refuge in the gym. With the guidance of Solomon and the support of his classmates, Payne not only shed pounds, but also gained a newfound sense of purpose. “I was 215 pounds, and I’m down to 168 now,” he said. “I was going down a bad track. I wasn’t taking care of myself, and I was superunhealthy. But I was able to come here every day, and I’m in way better shape now. The thrill of it is what kept me doing it. There’s nothing similar to it.” Payne, who praised Solomon for helping ContInued on page 9
Residents have found themselves caught in the crossfire of a financial dispute between the Island Park Public Library and the Island Park School District. The disagreement revolves around a tax settlement with Long Island Power Authority, l e av i n g b o t h t h e l i b r a r y and school district f acing uncertain financial futures and taxpayers possibly shouldering the burden. The conflict can be traced to LIPA’s legal battle with the Nassau County over tax assessments on the E.F. Barrett Power Plant. LIPA contended that it was being over-assessed and sought tax reductions, which could significantly impact the school district’s budget. The district settled its decade-long litigation with LIPA in 2022 after challenging the agency’s efforts to reduce the taxes it pays on the power plant. According to the terms, LIPA agreed to make $12 million in direct payments to the district for four years starting in 2022-2023. Over the years, Board of Education trustees have gone back and forth with LIPA and Nassau County in an attempt to
alleviate the financial burden that reducing taxes on the plant would create for local taxpayers, who would have to make up the revenue shortfall. However, the library now has become entangled in the dispute, because it’s supposed to receive a propor tionate share of taxes and payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOTs. The settlement agreement between the county and the school district failed to include specific language that would guarantee the transfer of more than $500,000 to the library. Library officials expressed dismay when the school district decided to withhold the funds due to perceived deficiencies in the agreement. “Nassau County has opined that the Island Park Library is entitled to its proportional share of the Direct Assessment monies under the LIPA settlement,” library officials said in a frequently asked questions sheet for residents. “The County also sent a chart to the Town of Hempstead which confirms the amount of money the Library should be provided by the School District for this year. However, under New York State law, as a school district library, those monies must first go to ContInued on page 11