Hempstead residents press town on enforcement: food trucks, demolitions, fireworks and tree removals

During the public-comment portion of the Hempstead Town Board meeting, residents raised a range of enforcement and safety issues and asked the town to take clearer and more consistent action.

Chris Jacobs described a recent surge in food trucks across Uniondale (addresses listed in the comments) and said trucks are parked in ways that block parking lots, create blind spots at intersections and disrupt traffic flow; he said residents would submit photographs and asked the town to remove noncompliant vendors.

Michael O’Brien told the board he observed rapid demolitions of mid-20th-century homes that contain asbestos materials and said he saw dust plumes during teardown; he questioned whether abatement rules and federal/state removal procedures were followed and was directed to speak with Building Commissioner Mr. Leo for follow-up.

Pearl Jacobs urged enforcement of the town’s fireworks and quality-of-life laws, describing veterans with PTSD and public-safety hazards; she cited a Long Beach City Council increase in penalties and asked why the town does not mail notice of prohibitions to residents.

Marsha Diieri reported home additions she believes exceed allowable lot-coverage limits and recounted an incident of a healthy curbside tree removed without town confirmation; she asked the town to verify removals before issuing permits and to require replacement plantings when removals are illegal.

Town staff repeatedly told speakers the building and code-enforcement departments investigate complaints, issue summonses and will follow up; staff said pending court actions can delay visible enforcement but invited residents to meet privately with Mr. Leo for specific case follow-up. The meeting record does not show immediate enforcement actions taken during the session; staff promised follow-up.