Let The Clean-Up Begin - Town Votes To Clean-Up 21 Heather Drive

1. The Town Board to consider the Town’s entry onto certain real property located at 21 heather Drive, Kings Park, New York, 11754, SCTM #0800-8.0-5-77, said property being owned by Charles Ritchie, for the purpose of removing all existing junked vehicles, assorted yard waste and rubbish in violation of Chapter 221 of the Code of the Town of Smithtown entitled Property Maintenance, pursuant to the recommendation of the Town Attorney and the Director of Public Safety.

Image - Google MapsAfter years of complaints by neighbors, unanswered summonses and two active outstanding arrest warrants it appears a clean-up at 21 Heather Drive is about to begin.  Smithtown’s Town Board voted unanimously to enter onto the premises of 21 Heather Drive in Kings Park to remove the accumulated junked vehicles, yard waste and rubbish at the home. 

The homeowner, Charles Ritchie, made a last ditch effort to avoid the clean-up by requesting an adjournment (at 11:47 am Tuesday ) of the 2pm vote. The Board said “no”. After listening to Town Attorney Martin Simon make his presentation, which included photos (presented to the board) and a history of failed attempts to work with Mr. Ritchie, board members listened to  concerned neighbors. The neighbors spoke of their frustration with a problem that has been getting worse. 

The neighbors were forthright regarding their concerns. Calling the property a fire hazard and a graveyard for metal cabinets, they made it clear that they wanted the Town Board to take action. Neighbors  also complained of rodents and raccoons, cars without tires and one neighbor declared there was “shady stuff going on” at the site. 

The neighbors appeared to be preaching to the choir. The board did not hesitate for a second when the resolution came to a vote. Unanimous in their vote to clean up the site, Supervisor Vecchio spoke to the audience stating, “We have just now affirmed that we will go onto the property and clean it up.”