FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2012
Contact: Jennifer Garvey, 631-283-6055

Investigation at the “Rose Hill Estate” in Watermill
Results in Numerous Charges
 

Members of the Southampton Town Investigations and Enforcement Unit assisted by the Southampton Town Police continued their investigation into the location known as the Rose Hill Estate located at 76 Rose Hill Road, Watermill on Sunday, February 5 at approximately 2:45 in the afternoon.  A search warrant was executed as part of the ongoing investigation into allegations that this location, a single family home, has been operating as a resort and therefore offering the location as a transient rental location similar to a hotel with concierge service.
 
This location, which is also known as “The Rose Hill Estate,” has a certificate of occupancy for ten bedrooms, a pool house, swimming pool and spa.  The investigators found that the house had converted two basement rooms into additional bedrooms; strictly prohibited by the certificate of occupancy and plans that and been approved by the town.   In addition, the basement area of the pool house was in the process of being converted to a two bedroom apartment for onsite concierge staff, the conversion was without benefit of a building permit.

“The owner blatantly disregarded the law for his own personal gain at the expense of his neighbors and legitimate area hotels and businesses,” said Councilman Chris Nuzzi. “Also of great concern are the potential safety issues related to the rooms that were constructed illegally without the proper inspections,” he said. 

A stop work order was issued for the construction of the pool house basement apartments to prevent any additional work to be completed without approval of the building department. 

“This once again proves how no hamlet has a monopoly on illegal rentals and reinforces how important it is for the Town to be able to respond efficiently and effectively to these issues,” added Councilwoman Christine Scalera, the Town’s liaison to Code Enforcement along with Nuzzi.
 
Investigators, in an addition to searching the residence for code violations, located and seized various records that will assist in the ongoing investigation of this location as a business and commercial enterprise. The zoning code of the town does not permit a commercial operation in a residential zone nor does it permit transient rentals which are rentals for less than 30 days.
 
“Operating a private home as a commercial retreat as this property owner appears to have done is illegal and unacceptable in the Town of Southampton,” said Supervisor Throne-Holst.  “Violations of this nature erode the quality of life for our residents and will be prosecuted to the extent of the law,” she said.        
 
The owner who was onsite at the time of inspection, along with the two concierge staff members, were issued appearance tickets to appear in Southampton Town Justice Court for various violations of the town code.
 
The investigation is continuing, at this time the following charges have been lodged against the owner Michael D’Alessio:
 

• No rental Permit
• Transient Rental (multiple counts)
• No building permits (multiple counts)
• No Plumbing or electrical permit for pool house conversion
• Change of Use converting two rooms in the basement to bedrooms
• Violation of the certificate of occupancy
   
  The concierge staff, Megan Kemper and Mathew Ardley, where charged with no rental permit and transient rental violations.  
  

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