Relief Coming For Edgewood Residents Living Near Blighted Site

Property located at 436 Edgewood Ave.A unanimous vote by the Town Board on Thursday, May 23 is paving the way for the remediation and/or removal of unsafe structures at 436 Edgewood Ave., Smithtown. The property, according to the town’s resolution, is “reputedly” owned by the  Church of the Gospel Ministry. 

The town has been aware of the blighted home for years and has made several unsuccessful attempts at contacting the property owner. With the home deteriorating and deemed unsafe by the building department the structures will more than likely be razed soon. According to Town Attorney, John Zollo, the process will take a approximately thirty days. The vote set the process in motion, a bid will need to be prepared and awarded before the property can be made safe. 

If you are on Edgewood what you may notice about the property is the bamboo forest.  The bamboo is so dense you cannot see anything beyond it. According to neighbors who spoke at the Town Board meeting this is a blighted property. The house is partially boarded up and dangerous. The property has been used for illegal drug activity and  currently houses rats and mice. The pool on the property is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and neighbors fear West Nile Virus.  

Grace Church was represented by Pastor Scott Invaldse who supports the clean up of the property. Pastor Scott spoke of his concern for the children who attend events at his church. According to Pastor Scott, sections of the fence are down, there is flooding in the basement due to a water pipe break, and the pool is filled with water. “The buildings are beyond repair.” 

A request was made by a neighbor that notification be made before razing the structures on the property. The request for notification comes from the concern that the animals living in the buildings and mosquitoes in the pool (there was a suggestion that the health department would bomb the pool)  will seek shelter in neighboring homes.  Zollo agreed to provide notification to those in a 200’ radius and to post signage on the property.