Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto this week announced that he has introduced legislation to provide real property tax breaks for disabled residents in the Town of Oyster Bay who meet income and other eligibility guidelines.

The proposed legislation, to be discussed at a public hearing on June 2, is similar to the senior citizens tax exemption currently available to eligible citizens. When enacted, Oyster Bay will be the first municipality in Nassau County to offer disabled residents an overall tax exemption on the entire assessed value of real property.

"Here in the Town of Oyster Bay, our goal is to ensure that all of our residents are able to partake of the excellent quality of life we so jealously guard," Supervisor Venditto said. "Even though we have held the line on taxes, and our current rate is lower than it was in 1989, disabled residents on fixed incomes may find it difficult to pay annual property taxes. In addition to the general living expenses we all incur, physically challenged residents often encounter additional obstacles and costs. Viable employment may be more difficult to secure due to disabilities. As a direct result, medical insurance, so vital for those with chronic conditions, may become impossible to maintain. I want to do all I can to ease these tremendous burdens by implementing the new state law on the town level and providing tax relief to eligible residents."

According to Venditto, the state law is very specific in its income and other eligibility requirements. Disabled persons must have one or more of their major life activities limited due to a disability other than the current use of alcohol or illegal drugs. In addition, a candidate must meet one of the following conditions: be certified to receive social security disability insurance or supplemental social security income benefits under the federal social securities act, or receive social security disability benefits; be certified to receive railroad retirement disability; or possess a certificate from the stare commission for the blind and visually handicapped stating that the person is legally blind.

"I want residents to be aware that the tax exemption for disabled residents is separate from, and in addition to, the Star program, which was recently enacted into law," Venditto added. "The exemption we're talking about here can be granted to a disabled homeowner with an income under $18,500 that is equal to 50 percent of the assessed value of their property. As with the senior citizen real property tax exemption program, the town would adapt a 'sliding scale' program ranging up to 45 percent of the assessed value of property owned by disabled individuals with incomes under $26,900. When enacted, the new legislation will take effect July 1, 1998, and will apply to the assessment rolls prepared on the basis of taxable status occurring on or after this date."

"Individuals with disablilities often have needs that require reconfiguring their homes to accommodate wheelchairs and installing mechanisms that make it possible to drive automobiles with hand controls," Supervisor Venditto said. "Because the burden of adapting a home and a lifestyle to a disability can financially devastate individuals and families, the Town's Intergovernmental Affairs Department's federally funded Community Development Division was created to aid qulified physically challenged individuals in this process. Now, with the proposed tax exemption, we're taking yet another tremendously positive step toward providing our disabled residents who have limited incomes with a basic sense of security.

"When an individual knows that his home will be safeguarded, he can then go about the business of living and meeting other needs," Supervisor Venditto said. "By offering a tax exemption to eligible residents with disabilities, we go a long way toward making already challenged lives a bit easier."

The June 2 public hearing on the proposed legislation will be held in the hearing room of Town Hall East, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay. The regular town calendar including this hearing, will be called at 10 a.m. Following the regular town business, the town board will be available to listen to public comment on any subject.