Town amends tree policy, OKs Bolla project

Changes based on feedback to give officials flexibility in management

BY BRANDON DUFFY

The North Hempstead Town Board passed a resolution Tuesday night to amend the town’s tree policy while also approving an application for Bolla Market to develop a gas station, convenience store and drive-thru in Roslyn Heights.

The tree policy governs the planting and removal of trees and saplings in town-owned public spaces. Council Member Veronica Lurvey said the amendments provide clarity to what she called a living document.

“These updates aim to improve the tree policy based on feedback from the community and experts, ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to tree management in our town,” Lurvey said Tuesday night.

In 2021, the town amended its tree code to create a committee that includes a combination of town staff, a certified arborist, and seven members of the public who will provide input and advise the town board on tree-related matters.

Responsibilities for the committee include the drafting of an annual report, ensuring the town remains a Tree City USA, recommending how funds in the Tree Preservation Fund are used in consultation with the comptroller, and providing recommendations about

Party At The Park

trees in the town, among other things.

North Hempstead Highway Superintendent Doug Schlaefer said the amendments enhance the safety and expertise in the town’s tree management practices.

“Tonight’s amendments, incorporating valuable input from the Tree Advisory Committee, the Highway Department, and concerned residents, emphasize repairing sidewalks without removing trees whenever possible, requiring arborist evaluations for tree removal decisions, and promoting species diversity for increased resilience,” Schlaefer said in a statement. “In addition to these amendments, the Town board has already allocated funding for proper pruning practices and prioritizing safety measures when working with electrical wires. As part of our ongoing efforts, we are implementing formal training programs for tree cutters, ensuring they receive expert guidance and expertise.”

Among the changes included are modifying notice requirements, specifying reasons for tree removal, clarifying methods for resident feedback, replacing the term “emergency” with “hazard for consistency, requiring a paid invoice from a licensed servicer when roots damage house sewer connections and updating planting requirements,

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