Farmingville, NY – On March 7, Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilwoman Jane Bonner (left) were on-hand when the Town demolished a vacant and abandoned “zombie house” at 55 Shinnecock Drive in Sound Beach. The house was the source of resident complaints leading to numerous Town of Brookhaven housing code violations. The house was demolished in accordance with Chapter 73 of the Town Code which provides a “fast track” to rid neighborhoods of unsafe structures. The cost of demolition and debris removal is the responsibility of the property owner, and the Town places a lien on the property that is then placed on the tax bill. The County reimburses the Town and then they collect the money from the property owner. Pictured left to right are Sound Beach Civic Association Vice President, William Pellenz, Jr.; Councilwoman Bonner; Sound Beach Civic Association President, Bea Ruberto and Supervisor Romaine.
Supervisor Romaine said, “When a house is neglected and allowed to deteriorate it creates a hardship for everyone in the community and must come down. I commend Councilwoman Bonner for being at the forefront in her district to help rid neighborhoods of these dangerous eyesores.”
Councilwoman Bonner said, “A house like this one lowers the property values of nearby homes and has a detrimental impact on everyone in the neighborhood. I commend our Law Department for their efforts to remove this eyesore and help clean up neighborhoods in my district and throughout Town of Brookhaven.”
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone 631-451-6595