A request to rezone property in Plainview will be the subject of a public hearing by the Oyster Bay Town Board on Tuesday, March 8, according to Town Councilman Angelo A. Delligatti.

"The applicants, Engel Burman Beidler Senior Housing at Plainview LLC and Crane Plumbing LLC, are seeking a change of zone from 'LI' Light Industrial to RMF-16 (Residence Multi-Family) to allow for the construction of 106 units for seniors 55 and older and 28 Next Generation units," Delligatti stated. "The 9.43-acre parcel is located on the southeast corner of Fairchild Avenue and Michael Court, with a street address of 118 Fairchild Avenue."

Delligatti noted that this is the first application to include "Next Generation," housing, which is price controlled starter housing consisting of owner-occupied townhouses with garages. Applicants for the "Next Generation" townhouse units will have to meet income and other guidelines. Applications for the housing will be processed by the LIHP. Residents interested in getting on a list to be considered for "Next Generation" housing the Long Island Housing Partnership at 1-800-528-8683.

The hearing will be held in the Hearing Room of Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, beginning at 10 a.m. Following the regular Town business, the Town Board will be available to listen to public comment on any subject.

In other news from the town, for the third consecutive year, the Town of Oyster Bay has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for Excellence in Financial Reporting, it was announced by Town Supervisor John Venditto.

"The Certificate of Achievement is the GFOA's highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting," Venditto explained. "Its attainment represents a significant achievement by the town and its management.

"In order to be awarded a Certificate of Achievement, a government unit must publish an easily readable and efficiently organized comprehensive annual financial report whose contents conform to program standards. The report must satisfy both generally accepted accounting principles and applicable legal requirements. The report must also demonstrate a constructive 'spirit of full disclosure' to clearly communicate its financial story."

The supervisor noted that the town received the award for its 2003 comprehensive annual financial report. Previously, the town received the award for its reports for fiscal years 2001 and 2002.

"The Certificate of Achievement reflects the outstanding leadership of Town Comptroller T.D. Galasso and the dedication of his staff," Venditto said. "I am proud of everyone who assisted in the preparation of the 2003 annual financial report. They have brought credit upon themselves and the town."

Founded in 1906, the GFOA is a nonprofit, professional association serving the needs of state, provincial and local finance officers in the United States and Canada. The purpose of the GFOA is to enhance and promote the professional management of governments for the public benefit. Its more than 15,000 members are dedicated to the sound management of government financial resources.