N. Hempstead holds real estate conference

North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman on Monday announced the town may launch a temporary amnesty program to encourage residents to bring their homes up to code without fearing high penalties.

The town is considering the idea of an 18-month "amnesty or reconciliation" program, Kaiman said at a daylong conference on the town's efforts to revamp its building department. "We anticipate giving people a chance to cure problems they might have in their home without having to pay penalties," he said in an interview later.

Architects and contractors have told the town that stiff penalties deter people from seeking to correct problems. If people instead came forward, "It'd be safer and everyone would be happier," Kaiman said.

In addition to 300 people who attended the conference at Harbor Links in Port Washington, nearly 300 also registered for a webcast of the event, town officials said.

Also on Monday, Kaiman said real estate agents suggested that the town allow them to begin marketing rental units before a final permit was in place, as long as the property is not actually rented before the permit is finalized.

In the wake of a corruption scandal in 2007, the department reformed its operations and cracked down on violations. But the permit process slowed to a crawl and the town drew complaints that it was too harsh in dealing with residents and businesses.

The pace of processing permits sped back up last year.

Kaiman said the town has hired additional plan examiners, building inspectors and clerical staff, and will add more such employees.

Kaiman has met with architects, developers and real estate agents to discuss proposed changes to current policies and procedures.

The conference also included panel discussions on code changes, development, the town's Board of Zoning and Appeals, and enforcement and compliance.