Ridge neighbor: Replace tall weeds with mowed lawn
Christine Frie says the overgrown front lawn of a neighbor who shares her driveway should be mowed so it doesn't breed mosquitoes and other pests.
Newsday photo by Gwen Young
Our home is one of four that share the same driveway. My neighbor has not cut her lawn for two years. The Town of Brookhaven has refused to do anything about the problem. The neighbor says it is a natural buffer, but it looks like an uncut mess of weeds. We know there is a state law that says the lawn may not be more than 10 inches high. We are concerned about pests, ticks and mosquitoes that breed in tall grass and weeds.
--Christine Frie, Ridge
One person’s weeds are another person’s meadow.
Apparently, the neighbor likes to leave things natural, and she can do that as long as the area in question isn't immediately adjacent to the house, town spokesman Tom Burke said.
Building Department chief Art Gerhauser said town code states “all lawns, common areas and recreation areas shall be maintained in a clean and neat condition and grass shall be cut periodically to restrict growth in excess of 12 inches.”
Proximity matters: The area next to the house is important to maintain “to prohibit the spread of fire and the harborage of vermin,” he said.
However, Gerhauser said, “There’s nothing to say you may not let your yard...go natural.”
Debris, including appliances, furniture or other garbage, is a different story.
“If it’s trash or litter we’ll pick it up, charge them for it and charge them a penalty,” Burke said.
Residents who have a complaint about a neighbor’s yard can call 631 451- 8696.
