Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico has announced a new initiative to strengthen enforcement against illegal housing, which includes increased fines for rental permit violations targeting repeat offenders. The initiative aims to enhance housing safety and compliance throughout the Town of Brookhaven and address the negative impact of illegal rentals on neighborhood quality of life.
"Let me be clear: our goal is code compliance to ensure that Brookhaven remains a place where people live in clean, safe neighborhoods," Supervisor Panico stated. "We are going to break the slumlord business model, with exponentially higher fines through robust enforcement."
The announcement was made at a press conference at Brookhaven Town Hall, attended by all six Town Council members, Suffolk County Legislators James Mazzarella, Nick Caracappa, and Dominick Thorne, along with civic leaders from throughout Brookhaven.
The new fines will include increased penalties for violations of the Neighborhood Preservation Code and Zoning Code. These measures aim to deter landlords from viewing violations as merely a cost of doing business.
Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich emphasized the significance of higher fines. "For too many irresponsible landlords, the relatively low cost of fines has just been part of the cost of doing business. By raising the minimum fine, we hope to deter abusive landlords, protect tenant rights and safety, and improve quality of life in our neighborhoods."
Councilwoman Jane Bonner noted that ensuring residents' safety is a top priority. "Stronger enforcement isn’t just about fines; it’s about safe neighborhoods, protecting residents from unsafe conditions, and preserving the integrity of our town."
Councilman Michael Loguercio underscored the safety risks associated with housing violations. "Some of these housing violations are major safety issues that can very easily cause fire, injury, or death. By addressing violators, we protect communities and save lives."
Several County Legislators voiced their commitment to this cooperative effort. Legislator James Mazzarella expressed support for working with Brookhaven to address substandard housing concerns. Legislator Nick Caracappa highlighted the need for local control over these issues. Legislator Dominick Thorne applauded the program's deterrent efforts.
Community leaders also showed support for the initiative. Frank Fugarino from the Pattersquash Civic Association commended the effort at both town and county levels while Kareem Nugdalla from the Coram Civic Association called it "a very good first step."
Deputy Supervisor Neil Foley and Councilman Neil Manzella highlighted streamlined processes for rental compliance. Manzella noted disappointment with offenders undermining responsible property owners' efforts.
Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig looked forward to an upcoming public hearing where increased fines would be adopted.
Acting Commissioner David Moran praised the actions taken by Brookhaven as a positive step toward protecting residents' quality of life.
Supervisor Panico urged residents to report illegal rentals through brookhavenny.gov/housing: "You’re not going to mess around here in Brookhaven because... those are the people we serve." He expressed gratitude towards County partners reviewing potential changes related to DSS housing.
For more information on this initiative visit brookhavenny.gov/housing.