Bayside residents demand action after man occupies vacant $1.1M home for two years
A man identified as Vernon Glass has occupied a vacant $1.1 million home in Bayside, Queens, for over two years, frustrating local residents and officials. The property, formerly owned by Richard Klibschon who died in 2018, was taken over by Glass in March 2024. Despite police reports, court filings, and political pressure from Rep. Tom Suozzi, Glass remains in the home, which he has fortified by changing locks. Neighbors describe the situation as an 'awful' breach of community safety and property rights, noting that Glass has a history of similar squatting incidents in Nassau County and Flushing. The occupant has refused to leave, leaving the estate of the deceased owner in limbo and causing significant distress among the tree-lined neighborhood's residents.
Key points
- Vernon Glass moved into a $1.1 million home at 2340 205th St. in Bayside, Queens, in March 2024.
- The home was previously owned by Richard Klibschon, who died in 2018 and left no family.
- Glass changed the locks, preventing bank maintenance workers from entering the property.
- Local Rep. Tom Suozzi called the situation 'awful' and urged action, though he noted it is not a federal issue.
- Neighbors have reported feeling unsafe and 'apprehensive' due to Glass's presence and behavior.
- Glass has a prior record of squatting, including a 2018 incident in Nassau County that led to probation.
Background
This incident highlights ongoing tensions in New York City regarding property rights and vacant homes, particularly in the wake of recent legislative debates over luxury home taxes and pied-à-terre regulations. While the current dispute involves a single vacant property, it reflects broader community concerns about the security and value of residential neighborhoods in Queens. The lack of a clear heir for the Bayside home has created a legal vacuum that the current occupant has exploited, mirroring past issues with unclaimed properties in the city.
Why it matters
The case underscores the legal and social challenges of dealing with vacant properties in high-value neighborhoods. It raises questions about the effectiveness of local law enforcement and judicial processes in resolving squatting disputes, especially when the original owner has no living heirs. The prolonged occupation of a luxury home by an individual with a history of similar crimes has eroded trust in local institutions and heightened anxiety among residents who feel their property rights are being violated without recourse.
What to watch
Residents and local officials are expected to continue seeking legal and political avenues to remove Glass from the property. Given the failure of previous court actions and police interventions, further escalation may involve state-level intervention or new legal strategies to address the lack of a clear heir. The situation may also prompt broader discussions in New York City about the management of vacant properties and the rights of squatters versus estate holders.
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