Mansion damaged after internet-promoted party in Orange County
MONROE, New York (WABC) -- A large party promoted on social media caused extensive damage to a mansion in Monroe over the weekend, according to residents, the homeowner and local officials.
Residents described widespread destruction at the home on Sapphire Road, including sewage backups, broken windows, debris scattered throughout the property and a 150-year-old piano that was destroyed.
"There was smashed glass everywhere, garbage everywhere. When I drove by the property during the party, I could see there had to been at least 150 to 200 people in the swimming pool," area resident Cristina Kiesel said.
The homeowner, who spoke off camera, said he had listed the house on Booking.com and believed he was renting the property to a family for the weekend. Instead, the home became the site of a "Project X" party promoted on social media, with the exact address withheld until the day of the event.
Within hours, vehicles clogged nearby streets as partygoers arrived, residents said.
"It had to be hundreds and hundreds of cars and yeah, just something that this area is really not used to or not honestly equipped for," area resident Andrea Forlini said.
Police were called to the scene, but the property is located in an unincorporated area of Monroe patrolled by New York State Police, which enforce state laws rather than local ordinances.
Monroe Town Supervisor Maureen Richardson said she believed the gathering should have been shut down.
"Based on the description of damage trespassing. What probably was underage drinking. Someone found needles that implicated, you know, illicit drug use. I was just shocked that there wasn't probable cause for the State Police to respond appropriately," Richardson said.
The party continued into the early hours of Sunday. By the time the homeowner arrived from out of town, many neighbors had already helped clear debris from the roadway.
"We all felt horrible for the homeowner. I mean, he put so much effort and energy into building that house into a really beautiful place. I mean, when we saw all the destruction, we just all pitched in and started cleaning up," Kiesel said.
The homeowner, neighbors and town officials expressed relief that no one was injured during the event, which they said could have ended much worse.
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