Illegal Trailer Condemned on Magnolia Road in Rocky Point

An investigation by the Town’s Law Department has resulted in the condemnation of a construction trailer located at 198 Magnolia Road in Rocky Point that was being used as a residence in violation of Town code.

The Town Law investigators executed a search warrant with the assistance of the Suffolk County Police 7th precinct COPE Unit. After an inspection of the trailer by a Town Building Inspector, the Notice of Condemnation was posted and the occupant was ordered to vacate the premises.

The property had long been blighted in the residential neighborhood since the property owner placed a construction-type trailer on land that the Town has assessed as vacant. The trailer had an electric hook up with a LIPA meter installed, even though the property had no permits or Certificate of Occupancy (CO) and no pending application before the Town of Brookhaven.

On March 1, Law Department Investigators and a Town Building Inspector, entered the trailer and observed a cramped living area inside. This included a bed, a kitchen area with a microwave, hot plate, refrigerator, coffee pot and food pantry. It also included a bathroom with a toilet bowl lined with a plastic bag and a sink hooked up to a large bottle. It was apparent to the investigators that the owner was living inside this structure, bottling and bagging his own waste.

Investigators also observed a dresser that contained clothing and other personal items. The structure had electric heat and air conditioning. In addition to the condemnation order, five Appearance Tickets (two misdemeanors) were issued, with a court date of May 2.

“I have been working closely with the Law Department for some time, but we have been hampered by motions and legal challenges that have only caused delays and added to the frustration of the people who live in the area,” said Councilwoman Jane Bonner. “Thanks to the perseverance of our Law Investigators, the residents can finally feel a sense of satisfaction that the wheels are inmotion to rid their neighborhood of this illegal eyesore.”

If residents believe that a property is in violation of any Town of Brookhaven codes, they can call 451-TOWN to file a complaint.

Supervisor Ed Romaine added, “Properties like this one are not only an eyesore, they are also a threat to the health and safety of residents who live nearby."