Farmingville, NY - On September 4, Supervisor Ed Romaine (left) and Councilwoman Jane Bonner (right) were on-hand when the Town demolished a vacant and abandoned “zombie house” at 61 Hagerman Landing Road in Rocky Point. 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.
Supervisor Romaine said, “Nearly every community has seen an increase in “zombie” houses, and many are not secure. We have been very aggressive in our efforts to issue violations and will continue to demolish these dangerous eyesores throughout the Town.”
Councilwoman Bonner said, “When a house is neglected and allowed to deteriorate as badly as this one, it creates a hardship for everyone in the community and must come down. 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