The Town of Oyster Bay's second hearing on several code amendments Tuesday featured some vocal opponents of a tree removal law's repeal, with one Nassau County legislator reminding Town officials that the law's creation was in response to a real threat.
The ordinance, which charges a fee of $75 in the event a property owner wants a tree taken down, was drafted in 1973 after a vengeful developer cleared 15 acres of forest in Woodbury after his application was denied by the Town Board, noted Legis. Judy Jacobs.
Although the ordinance was amended in 2007, Supervisor John Venditto talked of repealing it after hearing residents' complaints that it was government intrusion on their properties.
Jacobs urged the Board to modify the code rather than repeal it, and Venditto made the point that the word "repeal" need not be feared.
Jacobs responded, “If the hearing is on a repeal of a law, there is every reason for residents of the Town to be concerned. Repeal is a strong word, much stronger than modify. I urge you to have good heads, sit down, work together and draft a modification.”
The Board indicated Tuesday that it would work to rewrite the ordinance rather than abolish it after meeting with a group of environmentalists and residents.
Other speakers at the hearing included Ben Jankowski of the group Save the Jewel by the Bay, Pat Aitken of Friends of the Bay and Sea Cliff Village resident James Foote.
Reminders for this week:
- TOBAY Beach's oceanside portion is open for swimming Sunday.
- Friday is POW/MIA Recognition Day
- The Fall Walking Program begins Monday; call 516-797-4125 ex. 3
Mark you calendars:
GAP fall/winter/spring registration
When: Monday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Syosset-Woodbury and North Massapequa Community Centers
Oyster Bay Harbor Fall Cleanup
When: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Where: Oyster Bay Harbor; call 516-677-5853
