Farmingville, NY - On September 18, Councilwoman Jane Bonner (center) was joined by happy residents Bill Stengel (left) and Colleen Hauptman (right) at 40 Park Drive in Rocky Point for the demolition of an abandoned “zombie house” that had become dilapidated after nearly 15 years of neglect. The property was in violation of numerous Brookhaven Town building codes and the source of resident complaints. 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.
Councilwoman Bonner said, “The location of this house in a deep gully presented a real challenge to the demolition crew, but they did it. The residents who live nearby were thrilled to see the Town remove this eyesore and clean up the property. A blight in the neighborhood is finally gone, and I will continue to work with our Law Department to crack down on property owners who allow their vacant houses to become derelict like this one.”
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