Southampton Town Cites Northampton Homeowner with 32 Violations

The owner of a three-bedroom Northampton home that was housing 11 people was cited for 32 violations on Tuesday morning according to Southampton officials, including a complete lack of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Town officials executed a search warrant at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, finding a basement converted into an apartment with a kitchen and three bedrooms, all converted without proper permits.

The home at 9 Pine Court, owned by Julio Cruz, had been the site of previous investigations, according to officials. Excessive vehicles had been cited on the premises in February and March. 

“The purpose of the code’s safety provisions is to prevent fires, alert occupants to a hazard and facilitate easy evacuation,” said David Betts, the town's chief investigator. He noted other violations including exposed wiring, extension cords used in place of permanent wiring, and no means of egress in the basement unit.

Cruz, the home owner, is due in court on June 12 on an unrelated criminal matter, officials said.