Town of North Hempstead turns to Nassau County on garage sale limit plan

The Town of North Hempstead board did not vote on a proposal for garage sale restrictions at a public hearing Tuesday, saying the proposed law first needs approval before the Nassau County Planning Commission.

The proposed bill limits residents to holding garage sales to four times a year after complaints that residents were holding them too frequently and essentially as businesses.

Nassau's other two towns, Hempstead and Oyster Bay, do not regulate garage sales.

Some residents cheered the proposal at Tuesday night's town board meeting. Town officials said the issue has riled residents in several parts of the town, particularly North New Hyde Park and Roslyn.

Town Attorney Elizabeth Botwin said the maximum penalty can be up to 15 days in jail, but the town would probably use its authority to plea-bargain the cases.

The next town board meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25 in Town Hall in Manhasset.