An exclusive Gold Coast Long Island village does not want its residents airing their dirty laundry in public – literally.
Great Neck this week passed an ordinance that makes it a crime to hang laundry out to dry in the front of your home or within ten feet of your neighbor’s yard.
And if you violate the new no-laundry law you will be hung out to dry – with a maximum fine of $1,000 and 15 days behind bars – or both.
“Village government is the government closest to the people and is the most responsive and efficient form of government,’’ said Great Neck Mayor Ralph J. Kreitzman.
“As such, we often take steps to ensure that the quality of life of our residents is protected,’’ said Kreitzman in a statement.
“Our residents care about our Village and their homes and their appearance. We have a beautiful village, and I and my board of trustees do not believe that hanging clothes in a front yard is appropriate behavior.
“The actions of a few have made it necessary to pass this law,’’ said Kreitzman.
Great Neck resident Wendy Sales said she agrees with the law because “I don’t want any laundry hanging in front yards. I think it looks bad and it makes the area look low class.’’
Sales said she has seen a family at her apartment building spread laundry “out to dry on the bushes out front, like a tenement. If you go to Old Westbury, you don’t see laundry hanging on the line – get a washer and dryer.’’
“I think the law is rather stupid,’’ said another resident, who asked to be identified only as Harry. “Most people have washers and dryers.’’