With a public hearing now history, a final decision regarding possible residential bamboo use restrictions could come soon by the Huntington Town Board.
Calling for mandatory installation of 10-foot buffers consisting of four-foot deep impenetrable barriers between homeowners who plant invasive bamboo and those that don't, the proposed resolution was met with mostly-favorable opinion at Town Hall March 13 from about a dozen residents made public comments.
Frank Alfano said he is fighting a "losing battle" in Centerport with his neighbor's plants — some 30-feet high.
"When treated with herbicide, it turns into a bush," said Alfano.
Bamboo invasion has taken down two trees, destroyed an irrigation system, fence, driveway and a horse paddock on the Eaton's Neck property of Stuart Mass, who supports bamboo regulation.
"This stuff is so invasive it destroys everything in it's path," said Mass.
Phyllis Hussein of East Northport said she's been cutting, pulling, digging and chopping bamboo, planted by neighbors, which has spread everywhere in 11 years.
"I will be chasing bamboo for the rest of my life," said Hussein. "It has become become clear to me and to others with the same problem that when bamboo is planted something must be done to keep in the confines of a neighbors property."
Hussein said once the bamboo is planted on a neighbor's property the damage is done. She said she did not understand Town Councilman of poison ivy to bamboo.
"No one plants poison ivy," said Hussein at last week.
"I just think this trying to regulate the growth of bamboo is not the place where Town Board members should go," said Cuthbertson on Feb. 6.
Others disagreed.
Joanne Walsh of Northport said strong laws to protect property values, homeowners rights and the environment are needed.
George Burns of Northport suggested Huntington should follow the lead of three other states which have outlawed invasive bamboo.
Dwight Andrews, a landscape design professional, said there are more than 10,000 species of bamboo. He recommended specific legislation for only invasive species and similar plants such as Phyllostachys.
Some residents spoke out against against bamboo restrictions.
"One law for everyone is not the answer," said Dolores Faber of Eaton's Neck, who opposed the resolution.
Others suggested it could be difficult for the town to determine the origin of bamboo that was planted many years ago.
Robert Lifson of Huntington said it is the personal responsibility of homeowners to control bamboo, but government assistance should be made available to those who need help with it. He warned against over-regulation of plants.
"Today it's going to be bamboo, tomorrow it's going to be something else," said Lifson.
The next Town Board meeting is set for April 17.
