Suffolk Reporter

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico announced on November 4, 2024, a new initiative to increase enforcement against illegal housing. The plan includes higher fines for rental permit violations, particularly targeting repeat offenders. This move aims to enhance housing safety and improve neighborhood quality of life in the Town of Brookhaven.

Supervisor Panico stated, “Let me be clear: our goal is code compliance to ensure that Brookhaven remains a place where people live in clean, safe neighborhoods. We are going to break the slumlord business model, with exponentially higher fines through robust enforcement.”

The announcement took place at Brookhaven Town Hall with all six Town Council members present, along with Suffolk County Legislators James Mazzarella, Nick Caracappa, and Dominick Thorne, and various civic leaders.

The initiative will impose increased penalties for violations of the Neighborhood Preservation Code and Zoning Code. These include operating rentals without permits and failing to obtain necessary building permits. Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (CD1) noted that raising minimum fines could deter landlords from considering violations as merely operational costs.

Councilwoman Jane Bonner (CD2) stressed the importance of resident safety. She said stronger enforcement is crucial not only for imposing fines but also for maintaining safe neighborhoods. Councilman Michael Loguercio (CD4) highlighted the potential safety risks associated with some housing violations.

Legislator James Mazzarella expressed Suffolk County's commitment to collaborate with Brookhaven in addressing substandard housing issues. He mentioned exploring legislation to ensure those receiving county assistance live in safe conditions. Legislator Nick Caracappa supported the town’s efforts in increasing fines as an essential step toward more local control over housing conditions.

Community support was evident as Frank Fugarino from the Pattersquash Civic Association praised the initiative, while Kareem Nugdalla from the Coram Civic Association viewed it as a positive first step for Coram’s quality of life improvement.

Deputy Supervisor Neil Foley (CD5) and Councilman Neil Manzella (CD3) discussed streamlining rental compliance processes. Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig (CD6) looked forward to a public hearing on November 19th regarding adopting resolutions to raise fines significantly.

Acting Commissioner of Public Safety David Moran commended the town's decision as beneficial for residents' quality of life.

Supervisor Panico encouraged residents to report illegal rentals via brookhavenny.gov/housing. He acknowledged county partners reviewing changes related to Department of Social Services housing matters.

For further details, visit brookhavenny.gov/housing.