In a move that could send illegal, multi-family apartment owners running for the hills, Islip Town Sup. Phil Nolan has ordered the Town Attorney's office to draft the highest zoning code violation penalties on Long Island. The public hearing to amend this ordinance will be held on April 14, 2 p.m. during the regularly scheduled Town Board meeting.

"If you want to make money by renting a dangerous, illegal, multi-family apartment, think twice about doing it in Islip Town because you'll wind up paying more than you could ever earn," said Supv. Nolan.

If the amended ordinance passes, first-time code offenders could be responsible for up to $2,000 in fines for any zoning or land development regulation; the previous code authorized penalties not exceeding $1,000.

Specifically regarding illegal, multi-family homes, a first conviction could warrant a minimum fine of $750 and a maximum fine of $2,500. A second conviction could subject the violator to a fine of not less than $2,500 but no more than $5,000. A third offense could be prosecuted as an unclassified misdemeanor, with a minimum fine of $5,000 and a maximum fine of $10,000 or a maximum period of incarceration of one year; the prior code classified the offense as a Class B misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $1,500, and a maximum period of incarceration of six months.

According to Sup. Nolan, "In Islip Town, we're putting slumlords out of business. Gone are the days of turning a blind eye to those who disregard Town Code."