North Hempstead proposes ban on intentional release of balloons
North Hempstead Town Hall on Oct. 14, 2018, in Manhasset. Credit: Howard Schnapp
North Hempstead Town has proposed banning the intentional release of balloons, joining a growing number of Long Island municipalities to move toward adopting a measure local officials said will reduce pollution and protect the environment.
“The intentional release of balloons poses a risk to our marine life and waterways,” Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a statement. “Mylar and latex balloons are just some examples of plastic pollution which is harmful to our environment.”
The change, if adopted, would not apply to unintentional release like a child accidently letting go of a birthday balloon, town spokeswoman Carole Trottere said.
East Hampton Town, the city of Long Beach and Suffolk County already have a ban in place. Hempstead Town proposed a ban in September.
The town board will host a public hearing on the matter at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at Town Hall, 220 Plandome Rd. in Manhasset.
'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.
'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.
