North Hempstead Officials Mulls Changes To Tree Code

NORTH HEMPSTEAD, NY — North Hempstead Town officials will discuss proposed changes to the town code concerning tree removal and preservation during a public hearing on Wednesday.

The two proposed amendments to the code were crafted — in large part — based on residents’ previous input, and the town is now seeking comments from the broader North Hempstead community, according to a news release. Residents can weigh in on the amendments during the meeting or send written comments to as part of the public record.

The proposed amendments cover tree removal during construction, in public rights of way, and in the front yards of private properties, the news release stated. The tree policy addresses sidewalk projects, a process for right-of-way tree removal with building permit applications, guidelines for tree removal when tree roots infiltrate a house connection sewer, and tree replanting, according to the news release.

The legislation would also set a tree preservation fund and a tree advisory committee, the news release stated.

Supervisor Judi Bosworth said the town board is looking forward to “continuing the conversation and hearing additional feedback” from residents about the proposed changes.

“We know how important trees are to our way of life and our environment. In North Hempstead, we believe that everyone should have a seat at the table and their voices heard. We hope residents will join us in this collaborative process,” she said.

Council member Veronica Lurvey said thanked all the constituents who have already reached out to her with their input and suggestions.

“Our trees are important on so many levels, and by adopting smart tree preservation policies today we will be doing the right thing for future generations. This is not my tree code, but your tree code. We welcome all comments, because our goal is to present a tree code and policies that work throughout the entire Town,” she said.

Discussions are expected to continue during the March 18 town board meeting, officials said.

Good To Know:

• To view the town’s plan, visit: www.northhempsteadny.gov/treepolicy.
• To watch a livestream of the meeting, click here.
• Comments can be emailed to: TreeCodeComments@northhempsteadny.gov for consideration and they will not be made part of the formal record.
• Comments that will be made part of the formal record can be emailed to comments@northhempsteadny.gov.