At the February 25th Southampton Town Board Meeting, Councilmember Iasilli introduced two critical pieces of legislation addressing the need to raise fines for violators of Stop Work Orders and Stop Orders.
First, in recognizing the need to protect against dangers to construction workers, homeowners, and the public at large from hazards associated with unpermitted building projects, Resolution 2025-323 acts to set a minimum fine amount of $750.00 per day from $0.00 to be imposed by a Judge following conviction for violations of a SWO.
With the goal to deter such illegal activity, and in order to hold developers who skirt around the Town’s zoning more accountable, the higher minimum fine sends a message that the town is serious about this issue, and adds a layer of deterrence.
Likewise, Councilmember Iasilli introduced a complimentary piece of legislation, Resolution 2025-324, raising Stop Order fines that pertain to unpermitted clearing, excavating, and modifying grade of natural landscapes to a new minimum fine of $750.00 per day, as well.
Councilmember Iasilli stated of both new laws that “We have received plenty of comments from our community that the Town has to tighten its regulations when it comes to violators of Stop Work Orders. Not only is it a nuisance, but it is unsafe for workers when left unchecked. Additionally, non-permitted clearing and excavation of our natural landscapes harm our natural habitats and wildlife. It is important that we stand firmer on the notion that you can’t do whatever you want just because it’s the ‘cost of doing business.’”
Ryan Murphy, The Town’s Director of Public Safety mentioned, “It is imperative that people take Stop Work Orders seriously. These orders are typically issued for egregious violations or dangerous conditions. Increasing the minimum fines for violating these orders will hopefully ensure that people actually stop and don’t consider violating the order as just the cost of doing business.”
“I am proud to join Councilmember Iasilli’s legislative efforts, which aims to hold big developers accountable for ignoring Stop Work Orders and Stop Orders,” commented Councilmember Bill Pell, who cosponsored both resolutions.
