Hearing on Hempstead redistricting plan

The Hempstead Town Board has set April 9 for the much-anticipated redistricting public hearing and has released its proposed new councilmanic district map -- part of the process that will set voting districts for America's largest township for the next decade.

The board voted, 6-0, Tuesday to set the hearing for 10:30 a.m. in the Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion, adjacent Hempstead Town Hall. The new map is available to be viewed at the clerk's office and online at toh.li//files/pdfs/tb_townmapdetailed.pdf.

"The fact that people can pore over the map in their own home . . . I believe that is great access," Supervisor Kate Murray said.

District maps are redrawn every 10 years as required by law, to account for population changes.

The board has hired a consultant to analyze population data used by the town attorney's office in redrawing the six-district map.

Town Attorney Joseph Ra said his office will answer questions about the map at the hearing but said he wasn't sure whether officials from the consulting company would be present. Residents unable to attend the hearing can express their views to the board through letters or emails, he said.

Critics have called for a bipartisan redistricting commission as well as public hearings in each district.

In other action Tuesday, the board approved an extension until June 1 of a temporary moratorium that waives replacement fees for documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses and passports from the town clerk's office. The effort is meant to help victims of superstorm Sandy.

To obtain copies of lost records, visit the town clerk's office or call 516-489-5000 ext. 3046.