Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, concerned neighbors, and community activists were on hand when a bulldozer started demolishing a “zombie home” located at 56 Barbara Lane in Medford.
A “zombie home” is one where the owner falls behind on payments, the bank begins foreclosure proceedings, but the original owner bolts and leaves the house vacant. Much to the chagrin of neighbors and the surrounding community, the abandoned property usually falls into disrepair.
It is difficult for the bank or a municipality to take action to have the property fixed and cleaned up, since there is a bit of an ownership vacuum.
The house on Barbara Lane, which had been vacant and open to the weather for many years, was uninhabitable and a blight on the community.
This dangerous eyesore was the source of neighborhood complaints about squatters, rodents and illegal drug activity.
It was demolished by the Town of Brookhaven in accordance with Chapter 73 of the Town Code which provides a “fast track” to rid neighborhoods of unsafe structures. The cost of demolition, debris removal and restoration of the land to nature is the responsibility of the property owner.
“The Town of Brookhaven began the demolition and clean up of this very damp and moldy blighted structure to the delight of neighboring residents. As the bank has a pending foreclosure action, we hope to see a brand-new home rise in this beautiful community someday soon,” said Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico