Berland: Bamboo Vote Disheartening

I am writing in the wake of the December 18, 2012 Town Board meeting wherein my colleagues, voted against Resolution 2012-561, Enactment: Adopt Local Law Introductory Number 19-2012 Amending the Code of the Town of Huntington to Add Chapter 156A (Bamboo). 

As I and numerous constituents have repeatedly stated, running bamboo is highly invasive and can cause thousands of dollars of damage to the landscape design or natural habitat being maintained on adjacent properties.

Months of research concluded that it is in the community’s best interest to prevent this insidious plant from migrating over property lines and prevent said plant from becoming a nuisance to adjoining property owners. Under the resolution I proposed, the bamboo owner would be responsible for taking reasonable measures to confine their bamboo so as to prevent the encroachment, spread, invasion or intrusion of their plant onto any other property or right of way. If the owner fails to remedy their noxious bamboo, the Town of Huntington would serve notice of violation culminating, after continued failure to remedy the issue, in a maximum fine of $2,500. 

I am disappointed that, despite numerous requests and attempts to solicit their input, neither of my colleagues approached me with any suggestions instead choosing to vote down the resolution at the board meeting.

To the concerned residents of Huntington, I say this: bamboo is not going away and neither am I.