Politics & Government
West Ave. Home Destroyed In Fire Had Squatters
Property had already been abandoned for a year before the fire, trustee said.
A home destroyed on West Avenue last Wednesday in Patchogue Village had already been abandoned for a year, despite people living in it.
According to Village trustee Tom Ferb at Monday’s Patchogue Village Board of Trustees meeting, squatters were residing in the home who did not pay rent, but were paying water and gas bills.
Ferb said that nobody was injured in the fire, but that the Village is urging residents to try to report homes that may be illegally occupied or unsafe.
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“We have housing codes for a reason, for the health and safety of the residents, and really to maintain property values,” Ferb said. ”The only way the Village is going to see these places is if residents call them in.”
Such homes may have multiple satellite dishes than would be normal on the roof or have too many cars parked in front, Ferb said.
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“I feel sorry for the people living there, but that place was abandoned for a year, and we didn't know it,” Ferb said.
Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri also said its important for residents to know that in the event of a fire, residents can reach Patchogue Fire Department directly at 631-475-1222 or 631-475-1225. Pontieri said that reaching them directly can alert them three to five minutes faster than calling through 911.What are your thoughts on housing issues such as these in Patchogue Village? Talk about it in the comments below this post.
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