The Town of Brookhaven declared two residential properties unsafe and authorized demolition after engineering inspections found extensive deterioration and structural collapse risk.

At 1 Sunken Valley Road in Mount Sinai, an engineering inspection by Cash & Spinelli & Ferretti found a partially collapsed multiple‑gable roof, extensive water infiltration, widespread rot of siding and structural members, broken and boarded windows, mold and vermin infestation, and an unsecured pool with stagnant water. The engineer recommended prompt demolition of the principal building and an accessory gazebo because “total collapse appears imminent.” Assistant town attorney Amanda Hill summarized the report and told the board the site was condemned on May 5, 2021, under New York State property maintenance and building codes.

Neighbors who live adjacent to the property described repeated complaints about trash, teens congregating and vermin, and said the structure and yard conditions posed an ongoing health hazard. The planning board voted to find the premises unsafe and authorized demolition; the board noted demolition would occur on an expedited schedule and the property would be secured and remediated under town code procedures.

Separately the board declared 328 Brownfield Drive in Ridge to be unsafe after an inspection found severe fire damage that left the roof and most of the structural framing collapsed or destroyed, charred and brittle studs, exposed and melted wiring, no functional mechanical or plumbing systems, and large amounts of fire debris on the site. The fire‑damaged building was partially fenced but contained multiple openings that allowed unauthorized access. The engineer concluded the residence was largely unsalvageable and posed “an imminent danger of full collapse.”

Given the immediacy of the structural danger at the Ridge property, the board instructed town staff to move forward with demolition as soon as practical rather than delay the action for a full 30‑day administrative period. The board adopted resolutions finding both structures unsafe under Chapter 73 and directing demolition and site securing in accordance with town code. Amanda Hill read the engineer reports into the record during the hearings.

The board’s orders place liens for demolition costs on the properties as permitted by Town law; staff said they would pursue all available avenues to recover municipal expenses. The board also asked staff to coordinate with neighbors and set safe work windows for demolition and debris removal.