By Molly Haley
Rockville Centre residents voiced concerns about late-night snow removal noise during the January village board meeting. One longtime resident addressed what he described as an ongoing disruption to his neighborhood’s quality of life.
Lenny Tessler, a village resident for more than 40 years, spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting about disturbances caused by private snow removal operations at an adjacent apartment complex. Tessler said the issue has escalated in recent years, especially during a major snowstorm that hit Long Island on Jan. 25 and 26 this year.
In the weeks since that storm, another powerful late-winter storm hit the region Feb. 22 to 24, dumping two feet of snow across most of Long Island and requiring widespread cleanup efforts. The storm brought strong winds and hazardous travel conditions, and forced local governments to conduct extended snow removal operations to maintain accessibility and safety.
“They’re using a bulldozer this winter,” Tessler told the mayor and trustees, clarifying that while not an actual bulldozer, the snowplow equipment that was used was loud enough that it felt comparable. He described the overnight operations as excessive and disruptive, with plowing taking place at what he said were “crazy hours of the night.”
Tessler said the noise level was intolerable. “Quality of life issue, it’s just horrible,” he said, explaining that the trucks and plows remain alongside his home for extended periods of time. Tessler said that while he understands snow removal is necessary, the timing and manner of the work have crossed the line.
Village administrator Nancy Howard responded by telling Tessler, “The state law is that under a snow emergency there are no noise ordinances.”
Tessler added that he has lived next to the apartment complex for 40 years without significant problems, noting late-night snowplowing has only become an issue in recent years. He said the recent snowstorm in January brought extreme frustration but was not the worst example of the disturbances.
“The big snowstorm was not even the worst of their transgressions,” he said, suggesting that incidents like this have occurred repeatedly. “They’re really not a considerate neighbor.”
While Tessler acknowledged that winter storms do require a quick cleanup for safety, he argued that the complex’s approach lacks empathy for people in the surrounding areas. He said he has not spoken out in the past, but the snowstorm compelled him to raise the issue publicly.
Tessler said he tried to be patient over the years. “I haven’t complained much,” he said, “but something needs to be done.”
He also said he would not have spoken out if the situation had not reached a point that he thought he had no other choice. “We’re not just losing an hour of sleep, we’re losing a whole night’s sleep,” Tessler said.
Tessler expressed concern that the situation reflects poorly on the community. “This is not for the good of Rockville Centre,” he said, urging the board to consider whether a local noise ordinance or enforcement could help balance public safety needs with residents’ right to enjoy quiet in their homes.
Mayor Francis Murray said the board would look into the matter. “We’re going to help you out,” Murray told Tessler, acknowledging his frustration and indicating the board would see what options might help.
The board did not outline specific actions but suggested trustees would review local noise ordinances and guidelines related to overnight snow removal operations. The mayor also suggested he could call the removal company or complex to see if they could reach an agreement.
For Tessler, however, the issue is personal and has gone on too long, he said. Speaking in an interview outside the meeting, he said that he hopes a solution can be found that restores the sense of consideration that he once felt in the village.
For 2026, Rockville Centre budgeted $335,500 for snow removal operations. The funding covers equipment use, contracted services, road treatment and labor costs that go along with maintaining safe roadways during winter storms. The village’s efforts are unrelated to the removal company that Tessler referenced.
