Towns of Rockland County, NY

Faulty Smoke & CO2 Alarms, Exposed Wires, & Systematic Fire Alarm Failure Found

New City, NY, – The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes is investigating over 100 Building and Fire Code violations at 101 Kennedy Drive in Spring Valley, owned by Country Village Towers Corp.

On Wednesday March 9, 2022, a fire broke out inside an apartment on the 7th floor of 101 Kennedy Drive resulting in multiple people trapped and requiring the rescue of a 2-year-old child.

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, an immediate inspection following the incident by the Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes resulted in more than 100 violations being discovered including:

• No fire extinguishers in hallways (one is required every 75 feet)
• Combustible materials in hallways
• Flammable caulking
• Corroded fire pump
• Exposed wires throughout the building
• Faulty smoke alarms & CO2 detectors
• Systematic failure of the fire alarm system
• Doors not closing properly
• Illegally converted & overcrowded apartments
• No elevator certificate of inspection

Inspectors found 25 illegally converted apartments with living and dining rooms transformed into makeshift bedrooms, but this number could increase because at least 19 apartments were locked during this incident, with inspectors unable to access them.

None of the inspected units had smoke alarms in each bedroom, as required, and of all the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested nearly all failed, didn’t activate, and were outdated. Additionally, there was a systematic failure of the fire alarm system, with no audio or visual alarm sounding at the time of the fire.

“It’s properties like Country Village Towers that underline exactly why New York State has directed my administration to assume full control of the Building Department in the Village of Spring Valley. As a former first responder, I’m outraged knowing this fire could have easily taken a turn for the worst claiming who knows how many lives. It is critical that we see ongoing cooperation from the Village of Spring Valley to remediate these issues,” said County Executive Ed Day.

The last inspection performed at Country Village Towers was in 2019 with 11 violations noted. The Village of Spring Valley did not reinspect the property following that inspection to ensure the violations were remedied and it appears none of them ever were. The violations discovered in 2019 include electrical hazards throughout the building, apartment and stairwell doors not latching properly, no elevator inspection and issues with smoke and fire alarms.

“One thing is certain following this current investigation, it will take time for my office to correct years, really decades, of mismanagement and negligence by the former Building Department in the Village of Spring Valley. Failing to conduct a follow-up inspection in 2019 on the violations discovered is a failure to protect the health and safety of residents, visitors, and first responders. We will hold this property owner responsible and make sure these egregious violations are remedied immediately,” said Office of Buildings and Codes Director Ed Markunas.

Other hazards spotted included black mold in several apartments and deteriorating stairways and balconies. 

The Office requests that the public submit complaints regarding Building and Code violations within the Village of Spring Valley to 845-364-3700 or by email to BuildingsAndCodes@co.rockland.ny.us.