Town Trucks Start Removing Debris From Homes

It could take weeks to complete cleanup of area roadways littered with debris from Hurricane Sandy, Town Highway Department Regional Supervisor Scott Dade said Wednesday.

About 20 trucks from the Town Highway Department have moved their focus from clearing roadways to clearing fallen trees from powerlines and homes in Oyster Bay, North Syosset, Glen Head, and Locust Valley Wednesday. Priority will be given to situations that pose particular safety hazards.

Only homes that are impacted on town roads and by town trees, that is any tree within 10 feet of the road on the town right-of-way, will be removed by town crews.

Dade has been patrolling the streets since 6 a.m. and will be on the roads until 8 p.m. Once it gets dark, it is unsafe for crews to work, he said. He is compiling lists of priority tree removal situations, such as those involving trees resting on powerlines. The town must first get clearance from LIPA in order to remove those trees.

Residents whose homes have been affected by downed town trees can call the Town Highway Department tree removal bureau at (516) 677-5888 or (516) 677-5757. All complaints will be addressed. Dade also said that contractors are helping with tree removal in this emergency situation.

Do you have a downed tree on your property? How bad was the damage? What roads are open or closed? Tell us in the comments.

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