Bamboo, Surfboard Signs Banned in Hempstead Town

The Hempstead Town Board unanimously adopted legislation at Tuesday's board meeting that will stem the planting, growing or maintaining of bamboo plants on local properties in the township.

Town officials are responding to the complaints of residents who have had to deal with invasive bamboo encroaching on their properties from adjoining parcels.

Click here to read more about the bamboo ban.

'Surfboard' Signs Banned in Town

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Senior Councilman Anthony J. Santino Tuesday announced the passage of a law that makes Hempstead Town the first township on Long Island to prohibit "surfboard" signs and banners, stopping them from littering roadways and walkways and preventing them from creating safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians alike.

According to the town, the signs have been known to topple over into roadways and walkways, creating potential dangers for drivers and pedestrians. The signs, often made of fabric attached to long poles, are also distracting to drivers.

Hempstead Town’s new law will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2013, giving shopkeepers and others who utilize the signs time to comply with the new "quality of life" legislation.

Animal Shelter Offering Discounted Spay/Neuter Service for Cats

The town's animal shelter will be offering a low-cost, one-day-only spay/neuter for pet cats (non-feral cats owned by town residents) on Saturday, Aug. 4. The price of $40 per cat constitutes a significant discount from ordinary spay/neuter fees for pet cats.

Click here to read more about the spay/neuter service.