State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced his office will audit the Hempstead Industrial Development Agency and Valley Stream Union Free School District 30. The audits will be conducted in response to multiple requests his office received related to approval of the Green Acres Mall project in Hempstead.

“The Green Acres project has drawn noticeable criticism in the community,” said DiNapoli. “Several local elected officials, including State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos and Valley Stream Mayor Edwin Fare, have brought the concerns of their constituents to the attention of my office. As a result, our auditors determined there were sufficient questions about the project that warranted a closer examination.”

DiNapoli said letters were sent this week to the Hempstead IDA executive director and board of directors, and the Valley Stream superintendent and school board outlining the scope of the audits and when they will begin.

The audit of Valley Stream Union Free School District 30 will focus on budgeting practices and the resulting property tax levy related to the Payment in Lieu of Taxes associated with the Green Acres Mall project.

The review of the Hempstead IDA will center on compliance with policies and procedures related to approval of the Green Acres Mall Project.

There is no timeline for the completion of the audits.

For access to state and local government spending and more than 50,000 state contracts, visit www.openbooknewyork.com. The easy-to-use website was created by DiNapoli to promote openness in government and provide taxpayers with better access to the financial workings of government.