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Town Board enacts law controlling charitable drop off bins

Press Release


For: IMMEDIATE

Date: February 20, 2009

Contact: Stephen Canzoneri 516-869-7775

 

Town Board enacts law controlling charitable drop off bins

Ferrara sponsors another piece of legislation


On Tuesday, Councilman Angelo P. Ferrara and the North Hempstead Town Board unanimously passed an amendment to the town code establishing rules for drop off bins in the town. The law restricts these bins so that only organizations that qualify under IRS Code §501(c)(3) are able to place bins.


Councilman Ferrara, who proposed the law, stated that these restrictions were overdue. “More and more, for-profit corporations are placing their unmarked bins next to bins for charitable organizations to mislead the public,” said Ferrara. “This practice needs to stop which is why I proposed this legislation.”


The newly created chapter prohibits commercial enterprises from soliciting donations of clothing, toys or other items by the furnishing of unattended donation bins on commercial properties which result in proceeds that do not benefit charitable organizations. It also states that all qualified applicants must apply for a permit from the town clerk’s office. Each bin must also be clearly labeled with the name of the group, their contact information, and where the donations are being distributed. The town will then place a visible permit on the bin.


All existing bins must come into compliance by June 1, 2009. Any questions about the application process may be directed to the town clerk’s office at 869-7646.


This is Councilman Ferrara’s third code change that has been proposed and passed unanimously in the last six months. Previous laws include the repeal of the accessory apartment law and the institution of property tax exemptions for Cold War veterans.


“I’m very happy with the legislative victories that we have achieved on behalf of our constituents,” concluded Ferrara.

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