SETAUKET, NY – More than 36 tons of litter and debris was removed from a Setauket house this week that was condemned as unfit for human habitation by Brookhaven Town’s Quality of Life Task Force.

The house, located at 10 Bay View Avenue in Setauket, had garbage and debris from floor to ceiling in a number of rooms. The roof of the dwelling was failing, and had a tree was growing through it.

“This property was an atrocity – looking more like a landfill than a home in this quiet residential community. Our residents deserve better than that, and our Quality of Life Task Force is ensuring that there is no safe haven for suburban slumlords in any community of our Town,” said Supervisor Mark Lesko.

The property surrounding the home was also strewn with a large amount of debris, ranging from raw garbage to stacks of metal, plastic, paper, cardboard, car parts, and tires. In addition, several vehicle bodies were also found on the property, which were also completely filled with garbage.

“Absentee landlords beware. We will not allow you to turn our wholesome, peaceful neighborhoods into dumping grounds. Our Quality of Life Task Force, comprised of our Law Department investigators, worked arm-in-arm with the Town’s Fire Marshals and the Waste Management, Vehicle Control, and Building departments. They all deserve credit for their Herculean efforts on behalf of the residents of Setauket,” said Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld.

Brookhaven Town Waste Management crews worked for two days to remove more than 36 tons of garbage and debris from the property. Town Fire Marshalls responded several times to the property in response to gas leak in a hidden tank, discovery of unidentified liquids and a small hydraulic spill. Investigators from the Town Law Department served seven appearance tickets, including one misdemeanor, to Joseph & Barbara Antus, the owners of the property.

The cost of the clean-up, including the hourly salaries of all Town employees who participated in the action, will be charged back to the owners on their property tax bill.

Division of Public Information * Office of the Town Council
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258