Southampton Town Councilmember Michael A. Iasilli recently introduced two critical pieces of legislation that he said would address the need to raise fines for those who violate 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, Iasilli introduced a resolution that would set a minimum fine of $750 per day to be imposed by a judge following a conviction for stop work order violations.
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, Iasilli said.
In addition, Iasilli introduced a complimentary piece of legislation that would raise stop order fines that pertain to unpermitted clearing, excavating, and modifying the grade of natural landscapes to a new minimum fine of $750 per day as well.
“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,” Iasilli said. “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.’”
“It is imperative that people take stop work orders seriously,” Southampton Public Safety Director Ryan Murphy added. “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.