Hempstead Town plan would put limits on ‘partyboat’ noise

Responding to owners of homes on area bays, Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony Santino and Councilmen Bruce Blakeman and Anthony D’Esposito have announced a proposal to combat excessive noise from commercial vessels, particularly “partyboats.”

The legislation would prohibit commercial vessels from stopping or anchoring within 100 yards of a residence.

Town officials said in a news release that commercial boats, including “partyboats,” anchor close to shore, “blasting” loud music late at night. These vessels have elicited complaints from residents on Hempstead Town’s barrier island and mainland coastal communities.

From Atlantic Beach and the Five Towns to Point Lookout and Freeport, homeowners along the water are “losing sleep” due to loud “partyboats,” group fishing boats and other commercial vessels that create excessive noise, said the release.

“This is common-sense legislation that can make it easier for partyboats and area residents to coexist peacefully,” said Blakeman.

The proposed law, which will be considered by the Town Board today, would require that commercial marine vessels having a capacity of more than 20 persons not stop or anchor within 100 yards of a residence. Violations of the proposed law would carry a $500 fine.