River Valley Estates Owners Face Justice for Toxic Conditions & Rent Hikes

MONTICELLO, NY – The owners of River Valley Estates in Sullivan County are facing the consequences after years of allegedly subjecting residents to dangerous living conditions and illegally padding their pockets. New York Attorney General Letitia James secured a victory in court against River Valley Estates, LLC (River Valley) and its owners, George Levin and Gayla Sue Levin, after a lawsuit exposed a pattern of neglect and financial exploitation.

Judge Meagan Galligan of the New York Supreme Court in Sullivan County ruled that River Valley and the Levins violated multiple New York laws designed to protect manufactured home park tenants. The evidence revealed a shocking disregard for basic health and safety, with residents enduring years of raw sewage overflowing into their homes, frequent water outages, and consistently polluted tap water. The court found the owners liable for creating an environment where residents were forced to live with these unacceptable conditions.

The Attorney General’s office alleges that over 200 residents have suffered since 2017 due to the park’s systemic failure to maintain its water systems. Residents routinely faced “boil water” advisories and complete water shutoffs, forcing them to shoulder the financial burden of purchasing clean water themselves. Descriptions of the water quality were disturbing, with residents reporting it as “putrid, sulfuric, sandy, gritty, and topped with a slick, oily film.” One resident bitterly described the cost of clean water as a “hidden tax of living at River Valley Estates,” while another was forced to rent a separate lot at another park to guarantee access to potable water.

Beyond the health hazards, the lawsuit detailed a scheme of illegal fees and rent increases. River Valley allegedly charged residents a three percent fee for paying rent with a credit or debit card. In August 2022, a permanent $39.50 garbage fee was imposed on all 229 park residents without proper notification. From 2019 to 2023, the owners are accused of increasing rents mid-lease – a direct violation of state law. These actions collectively cost residents hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to the Attorney General’s office.

“Every New Yorker deserves a safe place to live with access to clean water,” Attorney General James stated. “Not only were River Valley residents forced to suffer through years of dangerous conditions in their community, but they were also charged hundreds of thousands of dollars in unlawful fees and rent hikes. This treatment is illegal and unjustified, and today’s victory is a major step toward securing true justice for River Valley families.”

The court’s decision doesn’t end the case. Attorney General James is now pursuing restitution for the affected residents and penalties against River Valley and the Levins for their alleged misconduct. This ruling sends a clear message: exploiting vulnerable communities and prioritizing profit over the health and safety of residents will not be tolerated in New York State. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.

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