Whitestone residents voice concerns
with long-abandoned house
BY SUZANNE MONTEVERDI
smonteverdi@qns.com / @smont76
Residents of Whitestone say that
they’ve had enough of seeing an abandoned
property that’s become an eyesore
in the last decade.
Over a dozen residents met at 14th
Avenue and Totten Street to voice a
number of health and safety concerns
stemming from a neglected corner residential
property. During the press conference
organized by state Senator Tony
Avella, residents said the property has
been abandoned for up to 14 years.
The property owner of 14-05 Totten
St. first received a permit for construction
in 2005, according to Department
of Buildings records. The permit was
renewed several times and last expired
in January 2014. There are currently no
active permits for construction at the
property.
The overgrown condition of the property
has created a rodent problem, as well
as issues with mosquitoes in the warmer
months, residents said. The eyesore also
has neighbors concerned about the site’s
potential impact on their property values.
Resident Tom Longstreet said he purchased
a neighboring property in 2011.
Had he been aware of the history of the
zombie house, Longstreet said, he “probably
would have thought twice” about
the purchase.
“We all pay an excess
of seven to 10 thousand
dollars a year in property
taxes. We respect
our properties,” he said.
Longstreet said he
frequently cleans the
property of garbage,
including beer cans and
used condoms, and has
to dump Clorox in the
area to abate the summertime
mosquito situation.
“This is a great neighborhood,”
Avella said.
“All you have to do
is walk around to any
home to see how well
maintained they are …
Nobody should have
to live with these conditions
for 12 to 14
years.”
Avella said he was
able to get into contact
with the property
owner, who claimed he was trying to put
the property up for sale.
“Anybody who knows this neighborhood
knows full well that you could sell
this lot in a day if you’re really motivated,”
the lawmaker said. “If you’re
not motivated, then it’s just an excuse to
leave this the way it is.”
12 lehavre Courier | DECEMBER 2017| www.qns.com
A DOB spokesperson said the city
agency has been investigating the property.
An inspector was most recently at
the site on Oct. 27. The inspector discovered
the site was “secure” but issued two
new violations to the property owner:
one for an illegal fence in poor condition
and another for failure to comply with
previously issued violations.
Photos by Suzanne Monteverdi/QNS
A violation for illegal storage of vehicles
on the property was also issued
earlier this year.
“DOB will continue to monitor the
property and issue additional enforcement
actions if necessary,” the spokesperson
said.
The property owner could not be
reached for comment.
The Whitestone residence at 14th Avenue and Totten Street
