Art Billadello to Vacate Town-Owned Home in November
The 78-year-old resident is vacating the Dyke Road property as his lease officially expires on November 6.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Apartments
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Brookhaven resident Art Billadello is scheduled to vacate his town-owned residence on Dyke Road as his lease expires on November 6, 2026. The town chose not to renew the lease following the 2023 purchase of Billadello's historic Roe Tavern.
Why it matters
The town's decision follows the 2023 sale of the 323-year-old Roe Tavern for $800,000, which Billadello owned for 27 years. Officials have indefinitely delayed relocating the historic structure, ending the arrangement that allowed Billadello to occupy the Dyke Road home in exchange for public history outreach.
The town of Brookhaven acquired the 323-year-old Roe Tavern from Art Billadello in 2023 for $800,000. Billadello had maintained ownership of the property for 27 years prior to the sale.
The players
Art Billadello
A 78-year-old resident who sold his historic tavern to the town and occupied a town-owned home.
Town of Brookhaven
The local government entity that manages municipal property and historic preservation projects.
The details
The town-owned residence on Dyke Road served as a housing arrangement linked to the preservation of the Roe Tavern. After the town purchased the historic site, the lease for the Dyke Road property was tied to Billadello's commitment to speak to history groups. With the town indefinitely delaying the complex move of the three-century-old structure, it decided to conclude the lease agreement with the 78-year-old resident.
Timeline
1790: George Washington reportedly visited the Roe Tavern.
2023: Billadello sold the Roe Tavern to the town.
May 2026: The town notified Billadello of his lease expiration.
November 6, 2026: The lease for the Dyke Road house expires.
Money Landscape
This transition marks the end of a specific housing agreement tied to the town's 2023 acquisition of the Roe Tavern. The situation highlights the typical complexities municipal governments face when managing historic assets and residential property obligations.
Residents engaged in unique property-swap or history-service housing agreements should review their lease terms to confirm expiration dates and renewal clauses. Maintaining a clear understanding of the town's long-term infrastructure plans is essential for those living in municipal-owned properties.
The takeaway
The end of this lease highlights the importance of clarifying the timeline of public project commitments when living in government-owned real estate. Residents in similar arrangements should consult with a legal professional to ensure their housing rights are protected during municipal property transitions.
Further reading
For more on local housing regulations and rental agreements, see Apartments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Newsday.
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