Smithtown officials want to tweak the town’s tree-removal policy.

Currently, healthy trees on town property can’t be cut down — despite complaints from residents that some of the trees are breaking up sidewalks, driveways and cesspools, Supervisor Patrick Vecchio told reporters after a town board meeting Tuesday.

Under a change suggested by Vecchio, trees on town land — regardless of how healthy they are — would be chopped down if they are causing problems, he said.

“If it is sound and doing damage, it has to come down,” Vecchio said.

The new policy would authorize a town Highway Department supervisor, such as a foreman, to decide whether to remove a tree, Vecchio said.

He said town attorney Yvonne Lieffrig has been asked to draft the new ordinance and submit it for approval at a future town board meeting.
 

Commack park honoring breast cancer survivors opens ... Preview of Billy Joel's bikes ahead of auction ... Yanks swept out of ALDS Credit: Newsday

Filings: 7-year-old was left home alone for a day 6 months before she died ... LI employers stole nearly $4M from their workers ... Flock reps meeting with Suffolk lawmakers ... Wet weather on the way

Commack park honoring breast cancer survivors opens ... Preview of Billy Joel's bikes ahead of auction ... Yanks swept out of ALDS Credit: Newsday

Filings: 7-year-old was left home alone for a day 6 months before she died ... LI employers stole nearly $4M from their workers ... Flock reps meeting with Suffolk lawmakers ... Wet weather on the way

Subscribe

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

SUBSCRIBESALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME