Riverhead Town officials executed search warrants Friday at two Riverhead properties as part of an enforcement action targeting alleged unsafe housing conditions, illegal occupancy and neighborhood quality-of-life complaints, according to a press release issued yesterday by Supervisor Jerry Halpin’s office.
The search warrants were executed at 533 Osborne Avenue and 332 Hamilton Avenue by the town’s Code Enforcement Division, in coordination with the Riverhead Police Department, the press release said.
More than 30 violations were issued following the searches, the town said.
The alleged violations involved the town code and New York State codes, according to the press release. Officials said conditions observed at the properties included evidence of people occupying illegal basement living spaces, occupancy of an abandoned and boarded-up dwelling, unsafe building conditions, unlawful rental arrangements, litter and rubbish throughout the properties, and multiple structures without required permits or certificates of occupancy.
Investigators also documented more than 16 unregistered vehicles between the two properties, along with additional exterior property maintenance violations involving garbage, debris and general blight conditions, the town said.
“The Town of Riverhead will not tolerate dangerous living conditions, illegal occupancy, or properties that diminish the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” Halpin said in the release. “Today’s enforcement action demonstrates our commitment to protecting residents and holding violators accountable.”
Halpin said the town will use “every lawful enforcement tool available” when properties are operated in “blatant disregard” of public safety laws, zoning regulations and maintenance standards.
The violations may result in court appearances, fines, mandatory corrective action and additional enforcement measures if the conditions are not corrected, according to the press release.
The town is also reviewing whether further action, including vacate proceedings or other legal remedies, may be warranted where conditions pose a threat to occupants or the surrounding community.
The town said the enforcement action followed community complaints and ongoing enforcement efforts related to unsafe housing and neighborhood conditions.
Source: RiverheadLOCAL
