MEDIA RELEASE

JUNE 17, 2008

CONTACT: JOSHUA SLAUGHTER
    Office:  (631) 852-1300
Cell:  (631) 456-1718
 Email: Joshua.Slaughter@suffolkcountyny.gov

NORTH BELLPORT BATTLES SPECULATORS

Browning Blocks Slumlords From Purchasing County Auction Properties

Hauppauge, NY-At the Suffolk County Legislature’s June 10^th legislative meeting, Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Mastic) secured passage of legislation (IR 1298-08), which places a ten-year owner occupancy covenant on all properties located within boundaries set by the North Bellport community’s visioning process, and applies to the next county auction slated for October 2008. North Bellport has been undertaking a major revitalization project over the past two years, and the saturation of problem rentals has been a major focus.

A ten-year covenant is already placed on habitable homes being auctioned as surplus property. This resolution extends that covenant to all parcels being bid on. Not only habitable properties will be subject to an owner-occupancy requirement, but vacant properties must be occupied by the owner as well. The county auction has long been a tool for speculators to buy up homes and flip them into rentals. Communities such as North Bellport, which have a large number of County parcels, take on more than their fair share of rentals. At the request of the Greater Bellport Coalition and Sustainable Long Island, Legislator Browning introduced this legislation to guarantee that only home owners will be buying properties in the area.

“Homeownership is the key to revitalizing areas that have been abused by slumlords.” said Browning. “By placing a covenant on all parcels in North Bellport, I am keeping these properties out of the hands of speculators, and giving this community an opportunity to create a new identity.”

The ten-year covenant doesn’t take effect until the home is issued a certificate of occupancy. Once in place the owner must live at the residence for the full ten years. If the covenant is broken the county has the right to reclaim the property.

“Homeowner’s are better invested in their community, and take pride in maintaining their properties.” concluded Browning. “With the large number of county parcels in North Bellport we can begin to take back the neighborhood block by block. It’s a great opportunity for families to buy their own home and live the American dream.”

The law will take effect in 30 days and will only apply to the next county auction.