TOBAY Notebook: Residents Allowed to Remove Posters

residents annoyed with those ugly signs and handbills posted on trees and light poles need not be:

They can simply take them down. A county ordinance actually encourages it.

“Unfortunately, too many people see trees, as well as utility poles and even traffic sign posts, as handy places to stick up their own signs and handbills,” said Town Councilwoman Rebecca M. Alesia. “Now that we are entering the season of yard sales, block parties and other such events, many neighborhoods will begin to see a proliferation of handbills affixed to any upright object. "

A Nassau County-wide ordinance prohibits the posting of handbills, posters, banners or any printed or written notices on utility poles, trees, traffic light poles, fire hydrants, phone booths and other public property. The ordinance also permits residents to remove anything that has been posted in violation of the ordinance, Alesia said.

Notices for yard sales, lost pets and other household-generated signs are among the signs prohibited by the ordinance.

“Many people, including myself, consider such signs a form of visual pollution,” Alesia said. “Posters and handbills slapped on trees and utility poles detract from the visual ambiance of our communities."

A county summons can be issued to anyone caught putting up a sign in violation of the ordinance.  

Brochure Promotes Mulching Yard Grass

The town is inviting residents to “Join the Mulcher Culture” and is offering an informative brochure by the same name, which describes how residents can recycle their lawns by not bagging grass.

“Every garbage bag full of grass clippings wastes up to a quarter pound of useable organic nitrogen," said Councilman Joe Muscarella. “Grass recycling saves you time, reduces waste and leads to a deeper, healthier root system that increases your lawn's resistance to disease, drought and insects. It will also reduce your fertilization costs and help protect the water supply from pollutants.”

The brochure offers residents tips on how to recycle their lawn, as well as tips to ensure a healthy lawn. Any resident or organization interested in obtaining a free brochure can pick up one at the Town Halls North (Oyster Bay) and South (Massapequa), the Department of Public Works (Syosset) and at major park facilities, or call or write to the Town of Oyster Bay Public Information Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 11771 (624-6380). A copy can also be downloaded from the Town’s Web site, www.oysterbaytown.com. 

Town Board to Meet Tuesday Night

The town board will meet Tuesday night at 7 p.m., a departure from their usual meeting time of Tuesday morning at 10.

The big item on the agenda is a resolution to award a bignnnnn garbage hauling contract that was the subject of a public hearing on March. 8. The meeting is open to the public.