The house at 661 Hoffman Avenue in Bellport had been vacant for a decade.
It was long the source of resident complaints about squatters, drug dealing and other criminal activity, according to the Town of Brookhaven. And now it’s gone.
On Friday, the town oversaw demolition of the so-called zombie home, which the town says was in violation of numerous building codes.
“The residents who live in this neighborhood work hard to maintain their homes and it’s important that we remove the ones that negatively impact their property values and quality of life,” Councilman Michael Loguercio said in a statement.
The town demolished the house 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, , according to a town announcement.
The county reimburses the town and then they collect the money from the property owner.
“We will continue to crack down on property owners who do not maintain their vacant houses and demolish them if necessary,” Loguercio added.
Photo: Councilman Michael Loguercio (right) with Bellport residents Regina Hunt and John Rogers (second from right), who chairs the Greater Bellport Coalition.
