‘He should be fired.’ Port Jervis building inspector faces new scrutiny

There are new concerns surrounding a building inspector under investigation for harassment in Orange County – this time for the sale of a city-owned property to his father-in-law for pennies on the dollar.

News 12 Staff

Feb 25, 2019, 10:35 PM

Updated 1,886 days ago

Share:

‘He should be fired.’ Port Jervis building inspector faces new scrutiny
There are new concerns surrounding a building inspector under investigation for harassment in Orange County – this time for the sale of a city-owned property to his father-in-law for pennies on the dollar.
A bar fight put Port Jervis building inspector David Rivera under a microscope. The incident landed him in legal trouble and was followed by an investigation into allegations of workplace sexual harassment.
Rivera is now facing more scrutiny, this time for the sale of a city-owned property in January to Rivera's father-in-law for $5,000.
Lifelong Port Jervis resident Ed DeGroat alleges the city undersold the property at 59 Hudson St. and questions the family connection between Rivera and the buyer, who later transferred the title to an LLC in the name of Rivera's cousin.
"He should be off the job - actually fired for what he's been doing,” says DeGroat. “The city isn't doing their job correctly making money for Port Jervis."
City officials say Rivera has nothing to do with the property, and that there were no other bidders interested in the home, which was loaded with debris, animal feces and bedbugs.
An online search shows other homes on the same block up for sale between $150,000 and $200,000. County records list the full market value of the home at nearly 25 times the purchase price.
Despite the allegations and criminal charges against Rivera, the building inspector remains on the job. As for his family's real estate project nearby, the mayor says someone else from the city will oversee the project for code compliance.
Port Jervis officials say David Rivera intends to provide written proof he's not financially invested in the city-owned property sold to his relatives.
Rivera has also pleaded not guilty to the harassment charges against him.


More from News 12
0:32
Kingston man charged in barbershop stabbing

Kingston man charged in barbershop stabbing

1:30
Sun and clouds before spotty evening showers for Saturday in the Hudson Valley

Sun and clouds before spotty evening showers for Saturday in the Hudson Valley

0:29
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:04
Movie theater experience: A close look at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville

Movie theater experience: A close look at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville

1:35
 White Plains community memorializes impactful couple as part of 41st Arbor Day celebration

White Plains community memorializes impactful couple as part of 41st Arbor Day celebration

0:21
Funeral held for Westchester correction officer killed in Scarsdale motorcycle crash

Funeral held for Westchester correction officer killed in Scarsdale motorcycle crash

0:31
Police: 18-year-old Washingtonville man with autism has gone missing

Police: 18-year-old Washingtonville man with autism has gone missing

0:23
New Korean-style fried chicken restaurant opens in Mahopac

New Korean-style fried chicken restaurant opens in Mahopac

2:16
New Rochelle teacher receives birthday surprise from students, colleagues

New Rochelle teacher receives birthday surprise from students, colleagues

1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

0:26
Hudson Valley communities receive bronze Climate Smart Certification

Hudson Valley communities receive bronze Climate Smart Certification

0:23
Rockland County sues New York state over when elections can be held

Rockland County sues New York state over when elections can be held

0:21
Greenwood Lake Board of Trustees appoints interim mayor

Greenwood Lake Board of Trustees appoints interim mayor

0:23
Police: 18-year-old facing charges in Walden shooting

Police: 18-year-old facing charges in Walden shooting

0:48
President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

0:21
Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

0:51
Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

0:47
State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

0:31
New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers