Hempstead town officials proposed changes to current laws that could make it easier to clean up abandoned homes.

Currently, the law requires officials to mail out notices to the property owners after neighborhood complaints. They then have to wait for return receipt notices before taking action.

Under the new proposal, first-time offenders would still get a notification sent to them in the mail. When it comes to repeat offenders, the town would post a notice to their door. Five days after that, weeds and grass would be cut by the town.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray says the town will do the cleanup until the owner complies. The bill will continue to be tacked on to the property owner's taxes.