QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Construction of a new community center in Queens serving young adults with special needs is well underway - and long delayed, says property owner Young Seh Bae.
It’s all thanks to a squatter identified by the Sheriff’s Office as Sean Johnson.
Investigators said he set up camp in the now demolished home that once stood on a lot in the fall of 2022, and then illegally claimed residence after being there for more than 30 days.
"They just broke into the house using the back door," said Bae.
The Sheriff’s Office also confirmed marshals recovered a gun from inside the home where Johnson was squatting, adding he was not present to be taken into custody.
"They caused a nightmare for us. There were people coming and going. They would come on to our side of the sidewalk to intimidate us," said Angela, who lives across the street.
Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday said he supports updating squatters’ rights, which were originally enacted to help protect against bad landlords.
"There was a reason that squatters' law was put in place. And I think people are starting to exploit what some of those reasons are," said Adams.
Under current New York State law, squatters are considered tenants if they have had possession for 30 consecutive days or longer.
Bae said it ultimately took more than six months and six-figures in legal fees to finally reclaim the property her family rightfully owns.
"It was very frustrating, not only mentally but financially. I have to say about $100,000," said Bae.
State Sen. John Liu acknowledged his newly proposed legislation may not be useful to responding police officers, but he added it will help homeowners in a courtroom.
Liu’s bill clearly defines a squatter as someone who enters onto a property or building without title, right, or permission…”
The bill bans them from accessing a tenant’s rights and protections under the law, and states squatters do not get any rights, even after 30 days of possession.
"New York State law, as it pertains to housing and property, it's not the easiest thing -- no question. We need to erase any kind of ambiguity in our state laws, and this bill will do just that," said Liu.
Bae said she hopes to finish construction and open the ground-level community center for young adults with special needs this summer.
Because the alleged squatter was not there when marshals came to throw him out, his whereabouts remain unknown.
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