Years of flood damage causes Spring Valley apartment residents to relocate
Rockland County officials say nearby development and failing, outdated stormwater infrastructure have caused repeated flooding, resulting in structural damage at 9 Park Ave.
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Residents of an apartment complex in Spring Valley will have to move out next month after years of flooding caused structural damage. Rockland County’s Office of Buildings and Codes issued a Notice of Order to Remedy on May 7 for the 52-unit property located at 9 Park Ave.
News 12 has learned the property owners will vacate the apartments because of the issues.
County officials tell News 12 that new construction surrounding the complex over the past five to 10 years has contributed to worsening flooding. They state that a nearby creek drains beneath the building into an outdated municipal stormwater system. According to the county, the system includes damaged catch basins and pipes that are too small to handle heavy rainfall.
Those backups have caused the lower levels of the building to flood multiple times, resulting in structural deterioration and mold growth. The county says the property owner currently faces $9,000 in violations related to unsafe conditions and structural issues. They have 30 days to take action or face additional fines and potential legal consequences.
Building management placed blame on Spring Valley village officials on Thursday, saying the government allowed nearby development to move forward without addressing the drainage system and the property's requests to fix it. Management also said they have helped a few residents relocate and are working to assist the remaining tenants.
News 12 heard from people who live in the apartments who say they're having a hard time finding a new place to live. One person questioned how the situation was allowed to get to this point.
Spring Valley Mayor Schenley Vital, who was voted in last year, declined to comment in detail because of pending litigation but said he is concerned for the residents and will monitor the situation with the county.
