Village Cracks Down: Port Chester Executes First Enforcement Warrant on Unsafe Housing

PORT CHESTER, NY (October 16, 2025) — The Village of Port Chester has taken a firm stand against unsafe housing, executing its first enforcement warrant on Tuesday, October 7, 2025. The Port Chester Police, in coordination with the Port Chester Code Enforcement Department, conducted a detailed inspection at 63 Grace Church Street, uncovering six violations.

The inspection revealed the following issues: failure to obtain a required Certificate of Occupancy (§151-7(A)), prohibited occupancy (use of non-habitable spaces for sleeping) under the Property Maintenance Code of New York State §404.4.1, bedrooms used as passageways (§404.4.1, Property Maintenance Code of New York State), failure to install handrails (§307.1, Property Maintenance Code of New York State), failure to install smoke alarms (§704.6.1.2, Property Maintenance Code of New York State), and failure to install electrical covers (§604.6, Fire Code of New York State).

A formal Notice of Violation has been issued to property owners Bruno & Yovana Sagni, requiring immediate discontinuation of all unlawful occupancy and sleeping use of a hallway area leading up to the building’s attic where sleeping quarters were also confirmed. The Sagni family must provide proof of compliance with all violations on or before November 14, 2025, according to state law, or face enforcement action in the Town of Rye Justice Court.

Mayor Luis A. Marino emphasized the village’s commitment, stating, “Their safety on our streets, in our neighborhoods, and within their homes is fundamental to the integrity of our community and the trust placed in local government to protect and serve. I commend the Port Chester Police Department for its vigilance and leadership, and the Port Chester Code Enforcement Department for its unwavering commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to housing that is safe, lawful, and properly maintained.”

Village Manager Stuart L. Rabin added, “Any individual or entity seeking to capitalize on our community’s growth through neglect or greed should take heed: Port Chester is watching, and we will act.”

The village continues to encourage property owners to review their properties, secure appropriate building permits, and ensure tenants reside in safe, legal housing. Property owners concerned about compliance are urged to contact the Port Chester Code Enforcement Department to schedule a site inspection and consultation, potentially avoiding a Notice of Violation or the need for a warrant.

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.