Smithtown eyes registry of vacant and foreclosed homes

Town officials in Smithtown are mulling a registry for vacant homes and properties in foreclosure, according to Newsday.

The Town Board is scheduled to take up the measure Nov. 3. The bill is meant to deter foreclosure actions, motivate owners to maintain vacant properties, and otherwise bring scrutiny to properties that have been sold in foreclosure but remain vacant.

More than 900 homes would be included in the registry if it were created today. Around 550 are considered in foreclosure.

Complaints from residents about poorly maintained, vacant homes have become increasingly common at Town Board meetings. Some residents say the decrepit homes are hurting property values. [Newsday] — Dennis Lynch