Southampton - After a lengthy investigation, the Southampton Town Code Enforcement Department has charged a Shinnecock Hills landlord with numerous violations of the Town Code, as well as the New York State Property and Maintenance code.

"This is precisely the type of illegal and hazardous overcrowded housing that is eroding the quality of life for our residents," said Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst. "Situations like these, where we are dealing with utterly irresponsible landlords and tenants, are why strong Code Enforcement is essential," she said.

"The building was packed with people," noted Councilman James Malone. "Twenty-four were living there, including 15 children."

According to official reports, 114 North Highway is the site of a "motel structure" with 20 units. Against the permitted use of the property, 19 of the units have been converted to apartments. The cited violations include:

 • Change of use (conversion of the motel to apartment use)
 • Two counts of non-working smoke detectors
 • Property maintenance violations, including broken windows
 • Electrical code violations
 • Wetlands violations, such as dumping debris behind the motel
 • Construction without a building permit
 • Other litter and debris
 • Presence of considerable mold in two of the units

Tenants had also previously complained to the property owner about a lack of heat in their unit. The driveway and parking area, which contained as many as 30 vehicles at certain times of the day, have a number of potholes, some as many as two feet deep.

"There was a fire at a nearby house Wednesday night where five families lived," said Councilwoman Nancy Graboski, who serves as a Town Board liaison to Code Enforcement. "Fortunately no one was killed, but it highlights why the Town needs to continue working hard to stop overcrowding."

"This is a prime example as to why we need to be progressive in our Code Enforcement efforts," said Councilman Chris Nuzzi. "Our residents expect us to hold habitual violators accountable if they negatively impact the quality of life in neighborhoods."