Suffolk Reporter

Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo (R,C-Sayville) has joined the call for increased protection for homeowners against squatters in New York state. Gandolfo expressed his concerns at a press conference, highlighting the tragic case of Nadia Vitels, who was murdered by squatters in her late mother's Manhattan apartment.

Speaking on the prevalence of squatting in New York, Gandolfo stated, "Squatting has long been a problem in New York. On Long Island alone, we’ve seen a number of accounts and stories about squatters overtaking homes legally owned by others with few, if any, repercussions to follow." Gandolfo emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, particularly in light of the recent incident.

"We cannot stand by and allow people to use loopholes in the law to essentially take another’s legal property," Gandolfo asserted. He announced his support for A.6894, a legislative proposal aimed at closing loopholes that currently benefit squatters. The assemblyman explained that the bill would enable squatters to be charged with criminal trespassing, providing legal recourse for homeowners facing such challenges.

In conclusion, Gandolfo reiterated the importance of safeguarding the rights of legal homeowners, stating, "New York must protect legal homeowners because these properties are theirs and theirs alone." The assemblyman's advocacy for enhanced protections against squatters reflects a broader effort to address property rights and security concerns in the state.