Residents press Hempstead board on energy storage moratorium, disability services, trees and code enforcement

At the Nov. 18 Town of Hempstead meeting, residents used the public‑comment period to press a range of issues: extending a moratorium on battery energy storage systems (BESS), concerns about Project Propel infrastructure, expanding disability services, tree preservation, and bamboo enforcement.

A caller asked the board to calendar a resolution extending a BESS moratorium, citing recent fires at large battery facilities and arguing that fire codes do not fully address air, soil and water testing or guarantees for public costs in the event of an incident. The speaker said Project Propel is installing high‑voltage cables near homes and schools without guarantees for infrastructure damage.

Ashley Gazes, founder of the Special Advocacy Coalition, urged expanded, year‑round supports for people with disabilities, including leadership and advocacy opportunities, group homes, and a disability‑focused leadership group. Supervisor Ferretti responded by noting that Camp Banker operates year‑round and that the town recently added adaptive amenities, such as an adaptive pickleball court at Forest City Park.

Marsha Ditieri and other residents questioned emergency removals of trees and whether developers are preserving mature trees. Deputy Commissioner Leo said arborist reports and site plans show which trees must be removed for health reasons or because they fall within building footprints; he offered to share reports and site plans with residents. Another speaker asked the town to tighten code and enforcement for invasive bamboo, saying fines and remedies are insufficient.

Board members and department heads offered follow‑up meetings and invited residents to meet with commissioners to review reports and site plans. No formal board action on these public‑comment items was recorded in the transcript.