(10/31/06) MINEOLA - First-time homebuyers might receive some relief if the Nassau County Legislature approves a condition-laden tax break next month.

Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) proposed the measure she says would cut an average of $2,500 off the county portion of a first-time homebuyer's property tax bill over five years. Strict guidelines would accompany the tax relief, including income requirements. Applicable homes would also need to be new and not exceed a value of $429,000.

Median prices of Nassau homes are $495,000, leading some to express skepticism about the law's ability to provide enough of a break. The Long Island Housing Partnership disagrees, saying it is a step in the right direction. They say the high cost of living on Long Island forces many young people to leave in search of more affordable locations.

Suffolk County passed a similar law nearly five years ago. Jacobs expects the bill to pass sometime in November.