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North Hempstead adopts revised tree policy despite residentsconcerns over 24-hour notice and advisory input
Summary
The Town of North Hempstead board adopted a revised street-tree policy after a contentious public hearing in which residents and tree advocates said the draft reduces notice and weakens replanting standards; the board said changes restore operational discretion to highway staff for safety reasons.
The Town of North Hempstead board voted to adopt a revised street-tree policy after a public hearing in which residents and local tree advocates urged the board to delay action and restore protections in the 2021 code.
Supporters of the existing policy and members of the town's tree-advisory community told the board the draft reads like a new law that would make it easier to remove large, mature street trees. "This proposed amendment also violates our own town code," said Margaret Galbreath, president of Transition Town Port Washington, during public comment, arguing the draft reduces public notice and weakens replanting requirements.
Critics highlighted three consistent concerns: the draft calls for a 24-hour notice to abutting homeowners when the highway department…
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