Santino Proposes New Law on 'Zombie Homes'

Hempstead Town Supervisor Anthony J. Santino recently announced he plans to propose a new law on "zombie homes," in front of Wantagh zombie home on Friday.

The proposed law would require banks and other home financiers that started a foreclosure on a residential property to provide Hempstead Town with “security funding” of $25,000 in order to maintain the vacant foreclosed properties.

Santino was joined by Councilman Gary Hudes, Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney and Councilman Anthony D’Esposito to make the announcement.

“It’s time for big banks and other financial institutions to ‘do the right thing’ when it comes to ensuring that properties which they have seized don’t become a blight on local neighborhoods,” Santino said. “It’s unacceptable for banks to make big profits on home mortgages and then turn their backs on neighbors by failing to maintain these same properties once they foreclose on them.”

The plan would also create a new section of the town code to deal with maintaining zombie homes that are the subject of foreclosures.

The town would use the money to upkeep zombie homes in the event that the lender fails in its responsibility to maintain the home.

The types of maintenance issues that fall under this legislation include lawn trimming, debris removal, securing of properties (boarding up windows, doors), placing safety covers on pools, removing graffiti, etc.

“This legislation is about preserving the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” King Sweeney said.

Santino said that his proposal is in the public interest and will help ensure better maintenance of foreclosed properties by lenders.

He also stated that they security funding would create a "financial disincentive" to allow properties to fall into disrepair and would also help fix violations such as overgrown grass and accumulated debris faster.

Santino will be discussing the plan further at a public hearing at the May 24 Town Board meeting.

Photo: Facebook.com/Town of Hempstead