Farmingville, NY – On October 31, Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilman Michael Loguercio were at 65 Gray Avenue in Medford as the Town demolished an abandoned “zombie house.” The house, which was vacant for more than 10 years, had become dilapidated after sustaining extensive fire damage. The house was also the source of resident complaints leading to numerous Town of Brookhaven housing code violations. The property was cleared of all debris graded by the Town. 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. The house was demolished by the Town of Brookhaven’s Department of Recycling and Sustainable Materials Management.
Supervisor Romaine said, “Nearly every community in Brookhaven Town has seen an increase in “zombie” houses. The Town has been very aggressive in our efforts to issue violations and we will continue to demolish these dangerous eyesores wherever they are.”
Councilman Loguercio said, “It’s a shame that a house like this was left here to deteriorate for so many years, driving down property values and threatening the quality of life in the neighborhood.. I commend our Law Department for cracking down on negligent property owners and for helping to 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