Crime & Safety

Demolition of Site of Fatal Union Avenue Fire Approved

Long Branch Council approves resolution to demolish fire-damaged home at 180 Union Ave.

The site of the fatal Long Branch fire that killed one man on May 5, will be demolished after the Long Branch Council approved a resolution during Tuesday night's meeting.

The resolution states that as a result of the fire, the building, at 180 Union Ave.,  is now "unfit for human for habitation or use and is an immediate danger to the surrounding properties."

First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni identifed the man who was killed as Jesus Estevez, a 68-year-old Hispanic male. Gramiccioni said he did not have a last known address for Estevez.

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The resolution states that the fire "tragically resulted in the fatality of a vagrant illegally occupying the structure."

Gramiccioni said the cause of the fire is still being investigated, but that the fire originated from the first floor of the home.

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Mazza Demolition will demolish the structure at the cost of $16,500, no earlier than 24 hours after all interested parties have been notified.


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