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Anthony Labriola and his companies, ALAC Realty and ALAC Contracting, were penalized $121,000 by New York State for illegally building on a protected area along the Carlls River in West Babylon.
New York Attorney General Letitita James revealed Friday, Nov. 8, that Labriola and his companies removed trees and plants in a protected "buffer area” to build a construction vehicle parking lot and storage facility.
The Carlls River freshwater wetlands are classified under the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) highest level of protection.
James’ office and the DEC sued Labriola in May after it was discovered that he was illegally storing construction vehicles, equipment, and materials in order to dodge paying commercial rent elsewhere. The penalty agreement absolves that lawsuit.
“Not only did Anthony Labriola build a parking lot on protected lands, but he then spent nearly a decade refusing to comply with state enforcement efforts – putting convenience and his business interests over Long Island’s vital natural resources,” James said.
“Our freshwater wetlands are a valuable natural resource, and I am grateful to DEC for their continued partnership in protecting these resources for generations to come.”
As part of the settlement, Labriola and his companies will pay $46,000 in outstanding payments and interest owed to DEC, plus $75,000 in new penalties.
He was also ordered to take a number of restoration actions, including:
- Removing vehicles, construction equipment, and debris from the protected area
- Placing a wall along the boundary of the worksite to separate it from the protected wetland
- Replant 60 native trees and shrubs
- Implement a new irrigation system
- Monitor the plantings for five years and submit regular monitoring reports to DEC through December 2028
Should Labriola fail to complete the restoration, he will have to pay an additional $75,000.
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