Long Beach holds hearing on bamboo ban

Long Beach could become the next Long Island municipality to ban bamboo after a public hearing scheduled for tonight.

A draft of Long Beach’s proposal states that it would become illegal to “curb, to plant, grow and/or maintain bamboo” anywhere in the city.

At least eight Long Island municipalities have banned bamboo. Some homeowners plant bamboo for aesthetic purposes, but the oft-invasive plant can spread into adjacent areas and damage foundations, roots and sidewalks.

Several residents have asked city officials to do something to halt the spread of bamboo, city officials said.

“Among the residences, it just takes over,” said Councilman Len Torres. “We’ve gotten complaints for the last two years.”

The public hearing, open to Long Beach residents, will take place during the city’s regular meeting, beginning at 7 p.m. at City Hall (1 W. Chester St.).