No bamboo for you

The City Council voted 3-1 on Aug. 21 to curb bamboo growth, legislation that was crafted to protect homeowners who maintain the fast-growing plant responsibly and set penalties in cases where bamboo destroys neighboring property.

The measure was passed after the City Council rejected a previously proposed ordinance at its Aug. 7 meeting that would have completely banned the local cultivation of bamboo, which many homeowners say has become a property-damaging nuisance.

Following a 10-day warning, violation of the ordinance carried a fine of up to $250 per day. The move came on the heels of recent bamboo bans in the Town of Hempstead and Smithtown.

Though many residents said that a ban is necessary to curb what they describe as an invasive plant that has destroyed their property, others complained that the ordinance did not take into account those homeowners who maintain bamboo responsibly, and said that the costs associated with removing it would be exorbitant.

The council voted 3-2 to reject that ordinance and revise the legislation to clearly define the language. The revised law now prohibits the planting, growth and maintenance of any invasive bamboo within the city “that encroaches or grows onto a neighboring property.”

The revised measure, which takes effect in three months, still includes a 10-day warning if property owners are found in violation of the law in order to correct the problem without any penalty. If they do not comply, however, they may be directed to appear in City Court, where fines of up to $250 per day can be imposed.

“It still protects any neighboring property owner,” said Corporation Counsel Corey Klein. “If this bamboo of any sort should encroach upon their property, it must be removed or they face charges.”