OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Town of North Hempstead Town Board Regular Meeting - September 16, 2025

Town Board — Tuesday, September 16, 2025
BodyNorth Hempstead, New York
SessionTown Board
DateTuesday, September 16, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:00:27

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

Oh my god, that's crazy.

0:01

Yeah, it is.

0:03

Why is Dennis having surgery?

0:05

He's got cancer.

0:13

It's gonna have the most the MOS procedure, right?

0:16

Where they do this and then go to a quest and surgeon because it's you know, yeah.

0:27

Well this is um uh you can use the seat.

0:44

Okay, good.

0:48

Is there a I'm wearing gold for my change.

0:54

Good, good.

1:06

Yeah, the secret room just appears.

1:12

I just don't want Mary Ann to check that check my situation.

1:21

You know, okay, everybody ready?

1:38

Good morning, everybody.

1:39

Welcome to the town board meeting, Tuesday, September 16th, 2025.

1:43

Would you all please rise and place your right hand over your heart?

1:47

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

1:51

And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God of liberty and justice for all the okay, good morning, Mr.

2:10

Deputy Clerk.

2:12

Good morning, supervisor.

2:13

Would you please call the roll?

2:14

Yes, no problem.

2:15

Thank you.

2:16

Thank you for being here today.

2:17

Of course, no problem.

2:18

Councilman Troyano, present.

2:19

Councilman Scott here.

2:21

Councilwoman Delamati.

2:22

Here supervisor De Center.

2:24

Here okay, we have a few people who would like to make public comment.

2:31

Um I will start with Mr.

2:34

Gaffney.

2:47

Good morning.

2:48

Good morning.

2:48

Pete Gaffney.

2:51

Westbury Call Place School District.

2:53

Uh I continue to speak about the quality of life concerns affecting the residents in the unincorporated portion of Westbury and Call Place.

3:01

Um just a a couple of things.

3:04

First of all, last uh town hall meeting, uh I had asked a couple of questions that weren't answered, so I've written back to you, Supervisor.

3:13

They still haven't been answered, so I would like you to answer those questions.

3:17

That's number one.

3:19

Number two is and one of those questions was who determines the salaries for workers.

3:23

We've been without a controller in a traffic system inspector and a traffic engineer for quite some time.

3:30

Uh and then the building department, that's uh great news that we now have a commission.

3:34

That was a great announcement that was on that.

3:37

Um but primary issue is Westbury Avenue.

3:41

Uh illegal parking is going on.

3:44

It's jammed.

3:45

It's been deemed a road that cannot handle double-sided parking and two-way parking.

3:50

It's been proven by an by two different uh analysis that were done uh costing excess of 200,000.

3:59

Uh we need to be doing something.

4:01

Tie that in with what I had mentioned last time was that the ARPA funds that you proposed back in 22 for sidewalks of of two million dollars, that has to be used by the end of 26.

4:13

Okay.

4:14

The other thing, uh so I'm I'm just again I'm pointing it out to you because time sure flies.

4:20

There's a lot of stuff that needs to be done.

4:22

Okay.

4:22

On Westbury Avenue, there's at least 23 businesses that just have frankly blacktopped their properties.

4:29

And they're parking there.

4:30

Okay, there's no striping, there's no permits, there's no nothing.

4:34

And the town is just letting it go.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████23%
Community Engagement█████████████13%
Transportation Safety█████████████13%
Public Engagement███████████11%
Zoning And Land Use███████████11%
Historic Preservation███████████11%
Public Safety██████████10%
Traffic Enforcement████4%
Technology and Innovation██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Town of North Hempstead Town Board Regular Meeting - September 16, 2025

The Town Board of North Hempstead held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM. The meeting included public hearings and resolutions covering parking regulations, zoning amendments, site plan approvals, property maintenance violations, traffic ordinances, handicap parking spaces, an honorary street renaming, and updates to the Port Washington Public Parking District fee schedule. All votes were unanimous (4-0) with Councilmembers Robert Troiano, Jennifer DeSena, Ed Scott, and Mariann Dalimonte present.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Pete Gaffney (Westbury/Carle Place School District) raised quality-of-life concerns, including unanswered questions from prior meetings, illegal parking on Westbury Avenue, lack of traffic enforcement staff, the need to use ARPA funds for sidewalks, and requested the board consider his top-10 budget requests. He also opposed the Amazon site plan amendment, alleging that delivery vans and tractor trailers violate original agreement stipulations by using Westbury Avenue instead of Voice Road.
  • Gerard Weeks, a neighbor of 841 Old Country Road, described the property as an eyesore with abandoned vehicles and called for action.
  • Joseph Gargiolo detailed three years of advocacy, citing abandoned cars, trucks, trailers, garbage, a falling fence, and the property degrading the neighborhood.
  • Anthony and Pam Page, who live across the street, reported six companies operating commercial vehicles, rats, noise, fumes, and a generator. They said the fence creates a safety hazard and has contributed to accidents.
  • Sophie Duruso echoed concerns about dust, traffic blockages, broken streets, and safety risks from the unsecured site.
  • Leonard Minervini, whose mother lives next to 841 Old Country Road, highlighted a decrepit fence, exposed foundation, overgrown trees damaging his mother’s property, and the property’s negative impact on resale value. He requested tree removal and a proper fence.
  • Neil McLaughlin (Langdon Road, Carle Place) supported the stop sign on Garson Road, recounting his dog being hit by a speeding car at the intersection. He also questioned visibility due to overgrown bushes and suggested code enforcement address it. On the Amazon AVI, he stated he sees tractor trailers on Westbury Avenue daily, violating the agreement.
  • Delroy Bonito, a resident of Fieldston Street, explained that the one-hour parking restriction on his block is inconsistent with surrounding streets and causes him to receive parking tickets while working nights. He supported removing the restriction.
  • Family members of Lonnie Harris Jr. (wife Mary Harris, granddaughter Kiara Harris, grandson Victor Harris, granddaughter Ma India Miller, and son Carlton Harris) shared heartfelt tributes, describing him as a generous neighbor, landscaper, and community builder who provided housing and beautified Westbury. They supported the honorary street renaming.

Discussion Items

  • 841 Old Country Road Property Maintenance (Item 4): Councilman Robert Troiano provided background on the former Harvest Diner site, which burned down six years ago. The current owner has neglected the property, leading to overgrown weeds, exposed foundations, and unlicensed vehicles. The hearing authorized the Department of Highways to clean up the property and assess charges to the owner. Residents testified to the blight and safety hazards. The board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 532-2025. Councilman Troiano noted the town will also pursue court action and may require improved fencing.
  • Brisbane Steel / Amazon Site Plan Amendment (Item 3): The applicant (Brisbane Steel Carle Place LLC) proposed a 1,836 sq ft Automated Vehicle Inspection (AVI) building at 2 Westbury Avenue, Carle Place, on an existing Amazon last-mile distribution center site. The building would scan delivery vans returning to the site daily, with no additional vehicle trips. The board discussed landscaping improvements, irrigation, and truck routing. Councilman Troiano secured commitments for enhanced landscaping, a working irrigation system, and a dedicated complaint email for residents to report tractor trailer violations. The public hearing included opposition from Pete Gaffney and Neil McLaughlin, who alleged ongoing violations. The board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 535-2025.
  • Port Washington Public Parking District Local Law (Item 1): A public hearing to amend the Uniform Traffic Code to create a new resident commuter parking permit for reserved spaces in Lot 11. Permits would cost $1,200 annually (prorated) and be available if spaces remain after merchant reservations. The law was adopted as Local Law 16-2025 (Resolution 534-2025) with a unanimous vote.
  • Honorary Street Renaming – Lonnie Harris Jr. Way (Item 22): The board considered a petition to designate a portion of Swalm Street, Westbury, as “Lonnie Harris, Jr. Way.” Councilman Troiano and family members spoke about Harris’s contributions as a landscaper, community advocate, and builder of affordable homes. The resolution passed unanimously (Resolution 533-2025).
  • Zoning Local Law (Item 2): A public hearing on amending Chapter 70 to clarify building permit fee processes for applications between 2000 and 2006 was continued to October 28, 2025, by unanimous vote.
  • Traffic Ordinances (Items 5-16): The board adopted ordinances for Dow Avenue (no left turn), Watermill Lane (remove parking restriction), Westbury Avenue (replace 90-minute with 3-hour parking), Fieldston Street (remove one-hour parking), Snapdragon Lane (stop sign), Garson Road (stop sign), Town Dock (stop sign), Longview Road (no right turn), McKee Street (street sweeping no parking), Mineola Avenue (no parking 8 AM-5 PM except weekends/holidays), Marcus Avenue (no left turn), and Park Avenue (yield replaced with stop). All passed unanimously.
  • Handicap Parking Spaces (Items 17-21): Reserved handicap parking spaces were established at 40 Garden Avenue, Carle Place; 168 Rushmore Street, Westbury; 188 Rushmore Street, Westbury; 230 Hopper Street, Westbury; and 70 McKee Street, Floral Park. All resolutions (536-2025 through 540-2025) passed unanimously.
  • Port Washington Public Parking District Fee Schedule (Item 23): A resolution amending the fee schedule was adopted as Resolution 541-2025, linked to the new reserved commuter parking permits.

Key Outcomes

  • All 23 agenda items were voted on and approved unanimously (4-0).
  • Adopted Local Law 16-2025 creating a resident reserved commuter parking permit for Lot 11 in Port Washington.
  • Adopted Resolution 535-2025 approving the AVI building at 2 Westbury Avenue, with conditions including irrigation, enhanced landscaping, and a complaint mechanism.
  • Adopted Resolution 532-2025 authorizing cleanup of 841 Old Country Road and assessing costs to the owner.
  • Adopted Resolution 533-2025 designating a portion of Swalm Street as “Lonnie Harris, Jr. Way.”
  • Continued the zoning local law hearing to October 28, 2025.
  • Adopted 12 traffic ordinances (Traffic Ordinance Nos. 25-2025 through 36-2025) and 5 handicap parking resolutions.
  • Adopted Resolution 541-2025 amending the Port Washington Public Parking District fee schedule.
  • The meeting adjourned after all business was completed.

Meeting Transcript

Oh my god, that's crazy. Yeah, it is. Why is Dennis having surgery? He's got cancer. It's gonna have the most the MOS procedure, right? Where they do this and then go to a quest and surgeon because it's you know, yeah. Well this is um uh you can use the seat. Okay, good. Is there a I'm wearing gold for my change. Good, good. Yeah, the secret room just appears. I just don't want Mary Ann to check that check my situation. You know, okay, everybody ready? Good morning, everybody. Welcome to the town board meeting, Tuesday, September 16th, 2025. Would you all please rise and place your right hand over your heart? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God of liberty and justice for all the okay, good morning, Mr. Deputy Clerk. Good morning, supervisor. Would you please call the roll? Yes, no problem. Thank you. Thank you for being here today. Of course, no problem. Councilman Troyano, present. Councilman Scott here. Councilwoman Delamati. Here supervisor De Center. Here okay, we have a few people who would like to make public comment. Um I will start with Mr. Gaffney. Good morning. Good morning. Pete Gaffney. Westbury Call Place School District. Uh I continue to speak about the quality of life concerns affecting the residents in the unincorporated portion of Westbury and Call Place. Um just a a couple of things. First of all, last uh town hall meeting, uh I had asked a couple of questions that weren't answered, so I've written back to you, Supervisor. They still haven't been answered, so I would like you to answer those questions. That's number one. Number two is and one of those questions was who determines the salaries for workers. We've been without a controller in a traffic system inspector and a traffic engineer for quite some time. Uh and then the building department, that's uh great news that we now have a commission. That was a great announcement that was on that. Um but primary issue is Westbury Avenue. Uh illegal parking is going on. It's jammed. It's been deemed a road that cannot handle double-sided parking and two-way parking. It's been proven by an by two different uh analysis that were done uh costing excess of 200,000.

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