The former deputy mayor of Northport insists construction that embroiled him in controversy and ended with him leaving his post was done with a "verbal OK."

Construction has already begun on a new home with a partial view of scenic Northport Habor, but neighbors aren't impressed. The Mariners Lane property is owned by Northport Village Trustee Tom Kehoe. Last month, the village issued a stop work order after it was determined that the foundation of the new home was built too close to the property line.

Kehoe acknowledged beginning the construction without having the necessary permits in hand. Neighbors argue that a typical resident would never be able to begin construction without the proper permits.

Kehoe stepped down as deputy mayor of the village, but he remains a village trustee. He says he stepped down in part to try to limit what he calls a distraction for the village.

He insists he received no preferential treatment.

"I got the verbal OK to build, and I built," says Kehoe. "I should have had it maybe in hand, but all of the paperwork, the licenses are on-hand for anyone to go in and FOIL."

Meanwhile, Kehoe says the location of his new home actually does meet village property requirements. He produced a letter from his property surveyor that blames a computer error for listing "incorrect offsets." Many neighbors are still not convinced.

A village board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, and many residents say they will attend to address the issue.