Blight, Be Gone: Another Zombie House Down In Mastic Beach

MASTIC BEACH, NY — Another unsightly zombie house is history in Mastic Beach.

On Jan. 4, Brookhaven Town Councilman Dan Panico was onhand for the demolition of the house, located at 86 Huguenot Drive in Mastic Beach.

The house, which was the second in Mastic Beach to be demolished by the town in 2019, was a "dangerous nuisance in the neighborhood for many years and the source of resident complaints," according to a release.

The structure was demolished in accordance with Chapter 73 of the town code, which provides a “fast track” to rid neighborhoods of unsafe structures. The cost of demolition and debris removal is the responsibility of the property owner, and the town places a lien on the property that is then placed on the tax bill, officials said. Next, the county reimburses the town and then they collect the money from the property owner.

In 2018, the Town of Brookhaven demolished 67 “zombie houses," town officials said.

“We are removing blight, increasing property values and will continue until the day comes when we can declare that all such homes that qualify for demolition are gone. That day is coming," Panico said.

To report a “zombie house” in Brookhaven Town, call 631-451-TOWN (8696) or click here.

Patch photo courtesy Dan Panico's office.