North Hempstead · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in North Hempstead public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Declining Non-Tax Revenues and the Traffic Court Idea
Revenues outside taxes have fallen from about $71.5 million in 2024 to a projected $59 million, driven by one-time FEMA money, lower franchise fees and interest income. Council Member Dalimonte floated a town traffic court to keep fine revenue locally; officials said the state has been unwilling to authorize it for towns under 300,000 residents.
Special District Operations at Sunset Park
A Port Washington resident questioned whether a water pollution control district can legally run a recreation park with sewer-tax dollars. The Town Attorney said the district maintains facilities beneath the property and the board lacks cause to intervene; the district's elected commissioners set its budget.
Water Rate Hike
Local officials are fighting a proposed water rate hike by Liberty Utilities ahead of a big public hearing in Albany. If regulators don't step in, your monthly tap water bill is going to get noticeably more expensive.
Honorary Street Designation for Detective Charles Vroom
Armstrong Road in Garden City Park is being considered for a secondary honorary name, 'Detective Charles Vroom Road', to honor a local figure.
Long Island Nets Practice Facility Agreement
The town reviewed and approved the annual renewal allowing the Long Island Nets to use the Yes We Can Community Center as their practice facility, addressing previous community concerns about space exclusivity and locker room usage.
Commercial Parking and Traffic in Port Washington
Discussions around Spectrum Designs highlighted ongoing community concerns about tight parking, municipal lot usage, and traffic congestion in Port Washington's main business district.
Dog Park Hours
Flower Hill is revamping its off-leash dog park hours because locals complained the current rules are a total maze to figure out. If you take your dog to the park, keep an eye out for a public hearing to weigh in on the new schedule.
Legal Defense
North Hempstead just hired outside counsel to defend its okay of the Sbarro family development project, meaning your tax dollars are officially paying for a courtroom fight. Local leaders are doubling down on their decision, but residents are left footing the legal bill.
Traffic Safety Improvements: North Street Stop Signs
The town scheduled a hearing to add stop signs at North Street and Maple Lane in New Hyde Park to improve local traffic safety.
Permeable Front-Yard Paving & Traffic Safety
A newly built Manhasset home's wing wall encroaches into the side yard and a front patio exceeds paving limits — errors the building department had approved. A neighbor described two years of construction problems and property damage.
Traffic Safety and School Zone Restrictions (Albertson & Carle Place)
The board debated the implementation of the school bus stop-arm camera program, discussing ticketing accuracy, warning periods, and recent legal challenges.
Legal Fees
North Hempstead just dropped another cool $257,000 of your tax dollars to fight a mosque lawsuit, sending the town's legal tab even higher. You're the one footing the bill for this endless courtroom drama.
Political Campaign Fundraising
Local politics are heating up as challenger Sean McCarthy out-fundraises incumbent Jennifer DeSena in the race for North Hempstead supervisor. With more cash on hand, McCarthy is setting the stage for a seriously competitive election.
Beach Safety
Skip your trip to North Hempstead Beach Park today because the swimming conditions are totally unsafe. Check local updates before heading out so you don't waste a trip.
Legal Expenses
North Hempstead taxpayers are on the hook for over $257,000 in legal bills just to fight a lawsuit involving the Hillside Islamic Center. That's a massive chunk of the town's budget spent entirely on courtroom drama.
Caribou Coffee Drive-Thru in New Cassel
A proposed drive-through coffee shop at 1149 Old Country Road in Westbury was reviewed for traffic flow and aesthetic landscaping improvements at a town gateway.
Parks and Recreation
North Hempstead is keeping local pools and beaches open longer so everyone has a place to cool down during the upcoming heat wave. It's a quick fix to help residents beat the scorching temperatures.
Emergency Cooling Centers and Pool Hours
To help folks beat the upcoming heat wave, North Hempstead is throwing open the doors to emergency cooling centers and keeping the community pools open way later than usual. It's a quick fix to make sure everyone has a safe place to cool down when temperatures spike.
Traffic Safety and Stop Sign Placement on Langdon Road
Residents and board members debated whether adding an all-way stop sign at Langdon Road and Garson Road in Carle Place would improve safety or create a false sense of security, particularly given reported visibility issues caused by homeowner landscaping.
Potential New Town Landmark Designations
Flower Hill Village Historian Mitchell Schwartz proposed several significant local properties for future landmark designation, including the Stepping Stones Lighthouse, Haviland Family Burial Ground, Valley School, and Port Washington Post Office.
Social Media Policy
North Hempstead town leaders just rejected a push by Democrats to ban political stuff from official town social media and mailers. That means elected officials can keep using your tax-funded accounts and newsletters to share their political views.
Clinton G. Martin Pool Kiddie Pool Construction
Residents questioned the timing of construction on the kiddie pool at Clinton G. Martin Park during the summer season.
Infrastructure and Utility Pole Removal
Residents complained about drainage issues on Lipton Lane and prolonged delays in removing double utility poles left behind by telecommunications and electric providers.
Free Speech Restrictions
North Hempstead Republicans just shut down a proposed bill that would have clamped down on what local officials can say in official communications. For now, the town's current communication rules are staying exactly where they are.