Farmingville, NY - On May 20, Councilman Dan Panico (pictured) was on-hand when the Town demolished a vacant and abandoned “zombie house” at 7 Laurel Street in Mastic Beach. The long-abandoned house was the source of resident complaints leading to numerous Town of Brookhaven housing code violations. It 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.
“This neighborhood is cleaner and property values rose instantly with the demolition of this decrepit house,” said Councilman Dan Panico. “The Town has aggressively pursued zombie houses like 7 Laurel Street and in the coming months, we hope to close out all demolitions in the Tri-Hamlet community.”
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
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