Dilapidated North Bellport home bulldozed

A long-dilapidated North Bellport home in the 600 block of Bourdois Avenue was demolished during the weekend.

“We worked for two long years to get this house torn down and finally we were able to get it demolished,” Brookhaven Councilwoman Connie Kepert said of the home that was bulldozed Saturday.

Kepert was originally contacted by neighbors who wanted the blighted home removed after it burned in a fire. She subsequently approached the town’s building and law departments to have a building inspector examine the home.

The inspector then gave the homeowner a choice: secure the structure with a six-foot fence or have it removed.

The owner opted to have the fence built, but it was later cut by vandals, town officials said.

In response, Kepert went to State Supreme Court seeking an order for demolition.

“Once I saw this dilapidated, half-burned-out structure it was clear that it should be demolished to protect the surrounding neighborhood. It’s an injustice to the nearby residents who take pride in the maintenance of their homes,” Kepert said. “People are really caring for their homes, but you have this one terrible, blighted structure. I was very happy to see it demolished.”

John Rogers, president of the Greater Bellport Civic Association, said, “This house was a danger and an eyesore that dragged down the neighborhood. We’re glad to see it go.”