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Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Lou Imbroto Officials joined with the local community Friday morning, Sept. 27 in demolishing a dilapidated and abandoned zombie home plaguing the Farmingdale community.
“We take quality of life issues very seriously in our Town and protecting our residents is a top priority for me and my colleagues on the Town Board,” said Saladino.
The Farmingdale property marks the ninth zombie home successfully removed from local neighborhoods through the Town’s Quality of Life Task Force.
The house stood abandoned for years and required several property cleanups as it was not being maintained.
The Town secured and monitored the property while undergoing a legal process, until recent inspections revealed severe damage.
Subsequent visits showed the structure was no longer sound, as the roof was deteriorating and the garage foundation was compromised.
Evidence of vermin was also discovered, as well as signs of air and water infiltration.
This most recent home demolition at is the latest example in the ongoing efforts of the Life Task Force to address community issues throughout the Town.
Last year, the Oyster Bay Town Board approved a comprehensive package of laws to combat zombie homes.
The Town now has the ability to fine property owners and lending institutions in violation of Town Code; recoup costs associated with Town maintenance of vacant properties; and ban the use of plywood in covering residential windows and doors.
The new Code further strengthens the Town’s ability to address adverse conditions often brought on by ‘zombie’ homes, by establishing a mandated trust account to which the foreclosing entity must deposit $25,000 to cover any potential costs the Town could incur from maintaining the property.
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