Massapequa Park Village wants to crack down on illegal apartments by dramatically bumping up violation fees.

Right now, the Village violation fee for renting out illegal apartments ranges from $200 to $500. The Village is proposing to increase that fee to $3,500 for the first violation, and no less than $7,000 for subsequent violations.

At its Sept. 22 regular board meeting, the Village Board announced a public hearing on the proposed change, scheduling it for Oct., 6, 8 p.m.

"We want to make the fines severe enough so that it is no longer profitable for these homeowners to have rental apartments," said Mayor James Altadonna. Jr. "Hopefully this will quell temptations to construct illegal apartments."

Last year, the Village received ten formal complaints about illegal rentals. Under current law, the Village is obligated to prove that a homeowner is violating its zoning code; the change would place the responsibility on the homeowner who would have to show they are in compliance after an assigned Village official sees evidence, such as more than one mail box, doorbells or electric meters, to indicate the homeowner may have rental units.

"This gives us the strength to pursue illegal apartments," said Mayor Altadonna. "We don't have to prove they don't have a rental; owners have to prove that they do not."

Altadonna believes this law will protect law-abiding citizens.

"It's all about fairness for our Village," he said. "There are people who are working two jobs, making sacrifices to keep their houses and their families intact. And then others are renting out apartments —breaking locals laws — and receiving a windfall. This is not fair to law-abiding residents."

Similar laws were passed in the Village of Farmingdale in 2006, and Lynbrook in 2004. Amityville also passed a similar law and officials in that community have moved successfully against violators under their new code.

In other business:

Christmas is here? It's October, but the Holiday season is underway.

The Village Board accepted a check for $2,000 for the Village's annual Holiday celebration from the Massapequa Park Village Merchants Association. The check was presented by President Carol Leff. The Christmas tree and Menorah lighting will be held Sat., Nov. 29.

"Each year, the Village spends $5,000 to $6,000 dollars to welcome the Holiday season with singers and caricaturists, cheerleaders, Santa Claus, and, of course, the menorah and tree lighting," said Altadonna. "Thousands attended the event and we are looking forward to it again this year."

"The board has done a wonderful job beautifying this great Village," said Leff. "We are happy to help them by donating money, which will be used to light up Park Boulevard for the holidays."