Flood‑plagued Spring Valley apartment complex faces uncertain future
SPRING VALLEY, New York (WABC) -- A Spring Valley apartment complex long troubled by repeated flooding, is now facing an uncertain future after Rockland County issued a notice earlier this month ordering the property to be vacated, repaired or demolished.
Residents at 9 Park Avenue say the problems have persisted for years, including a major flood in 2019. Some tenants have already moved out, while others say they have nowhere else to go.
Israel Roman, who has lived in the building for 28 years, said he and his wife cannot afford to relocate.
"We don't have money to move. Where are we going to go? Me and my wife are struggling right now. Where are we going to go? We're retired. I'm sick. Where are we going to go?" Roman said.
On May 7, the county posted notices citing critical violations at the 52unit complex. Basement apartments have already been deemed offlimits because of flooding.
Ed Markunas, head of the county's Office of Buildings and Codes, said inspectors found serious structural issues.
"You can see the structure being compromised with the cracks in the foundation, the shifting of the foundation, the shifting of the walls, the shifting of the floors," Markunas said.
The property manager blamed excess runoff from newly built apartments on higher ground. The county also pointed to a village project that replaced a broken 18inch storm pipe with two sixinch pipes.
"Two six-inch pipes do not convey the same amount of water as one 18-inch pipe. So once it hits that dam up, all of that water just backs up," Markunas said.
During heavy rains, runoff and groundwater are supposed to drain away, but a catch basin on the property becomes overwhelmed, funneling water back toward the building.
"Overdevelopment is too much. You know what I'm saying? It's causing the flooding. You see that wall right there? We're low. Everything comes down," Roman said.
The landlord, who was unavailable for comment, can request an extension to the 30day compliance deadline.
Several tenants have already been relocated to other properties, but the future of 9 Park Avenue remains in doubt.
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