Public Comment Time Moved to Front of Town Board Meetings

The public comment portion of each North Hempstead town board meeting has been moved to the start of the meeting.

The measure was approved 6-0 the town board Jan. 7 in an effort to increase accessibility for residents, according to town officials.

"It is my belief that all residents deserve and are entitled to a seat at the table. We take input from our constituents seriously, and many had told us that having public comment following our meetings was inconvenient for them," said Supervisor Judi Bosworth in a press release.

Bosworth said moving the time for residents to speak to before the meetings will help increase participation from the public.

Beginning Jan. 28, each board meeting will begin with 30 minutes of public comment starting at 7:30 p.m. prior to the commencement of the night's agenda. Individuals wishing to speak get a maximum of three minutes each. Any remaining comments and concerns will be heard at the end of the meeting.