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Huntington
Seeks to Ban Ads for Illegal Apartments |
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May 8, 2002 At the same time that the Suffolk County legislature held a day-long conference on the lack of affordable housing in the region, Huntington lawmakers were getting tough on one source of available homes in their jurisdiction, accessory apartments. While housing advocates were busy addressing the county, the Huntington board set a public hearing date for legislation that could make locating affordable housing even more difficult. Those advocates will be sure to turn out in force on the evening of May 21 when a public hearing will be held to gather input on a plan to ban all advertising or solicitation for tenants of illegal housing units within the town's borders. The resolution, presented by Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, would make such solicitation punishable by fines up to $2,500. According to the resolution offered at last night's board meeting the town board has determined that there exists "an increase in the advertisement for sale and/or lease of residential properties containing illegal apartments as well as an increase in the listing and leasing of illegal apartments that are substandard or constructed in violation of the code [of the town]. The advertisement for sale or lease of these residential properties and dwelling units overburden municipal services and foster deterioration of the housing stock within the township. The Board finds that stricter regulations will serve to strengthen enforcement efforts to reduce illegal housing; advance the health, safety and welfare of town residents and promote the peace and good order." It goes on to say that no person, business entity, owner, broker or agent may solicit, advertise, list, show, or offer any residential building structure containing an apartment "constructed or maintained without benefit of a current accessory apartment permit, certificate of occupancy and/or certificate of permitted use." It also demands that properties for sale be advertised showing the relevant permit numbers, and although it seeks to punish the advertiser, it leaves the publication in which the advertisement appears off the hook, except those publications or flyers created by real estate firms. If the law is enacted, penalties for noncompliance will range from $500 to $2,500. The town does have a comprehensive accessory apartment law in effect which requires special permits, inspections and reviews for compliance. Those who are in compliance with that legislation will be able to continue to solicit tenants, but those who have not registered and been permitted by the town will be subject to the fines. The
meeting starts at 7:00 a.m and will be held in the town board room.
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