8/11/2011 - Five Families in Flanders Home

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2011
CONTACT: Ryan Horn
PHONE: (631) 702-2477

Five Families in Flanders Home
Code Enforcement Returns (Again) to Hamlet’s Priscilla Avenue

Southampton Town code enforcement and police have executed a search warrant at another Flanders home according to details released from Town Hall today.

During a 5:00am inspection of the property at 227 Priscilla Avenue, officials learned that 17 people lived in a house with only four legal bedrooms. One family of four was living in a 13’ x 10’ room, and the three other bedrooms were overcrowded based on size and the number of occupants. Additional bedrooms were added to the home without proper permits, and other areas were converted to sleeping quarters, including the garage.

“Seventeen individuals, including children, crowded into an illegal structure with numerous safety hazards is a textbook example of the need for proactive code enforcement,” said Councilman Chris Nuzzi, the sponsor of the Town’s rental law. “Regular inspections not only ensure the safety of those living in deplorable conditions, but the quality of life in the neighborhood too.”

Citing multiple “life safety violations,” along with other transgressions, summonses were issued for a combined 40 counts of:

  • Change of use – conversion from a single family to a two-family home
  • Occupying without a certificate of occupancy for converted areas
  • Electrical violations
  • Change of use – from garage to bedroom
  • No carbon monoxide detectors
  • Inoperable or missing smoke detectors
  • Installation of a second kitchen
  • Construction without required plumbing, electrical, and other building permits (including erection of a fence and front deck)
  • Infestation
  • Excessive cars
  • Overcrowding
  • Lack of a handrail on the interior staircase

“One smoke detector was covered in aluminum foil, while others were missing batteries or just not there in the first place,” reported Chief Town Investigator David Betts. He added that the home also lacked the required carbon monoxide detectors.

Owners Samuel and Francisco Domingo, who live at the premises, were each served with appearance tickets and will face the charges in Southampton Town Justice Court. Follow-up investigations will continue to ensure compliance at the property.

 

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