NY Homeowner Tired Of Crappy Conditions Living Next To House In Foreclosure With Failing Septic System

In Putnam Valley, New York, The Journal News reports:

• Belynda Rella has a really smelly problem and she can't seem to get it fixed. She lives at 17 Oriole St., and her neighbor's septic at 19 Oriole drains into her yard, which is a health hazard and downright unpleasant. [...] Rella and her pre-teen daughter won't go into their yard or jump on a new trampoline without wearing heavy-duty paper face masks. [...] Since April, she has been contacting various officials. The bubbling sludge site in her yard is covered with a blue cloth. Her mother, Darlene Kahrs, who lives there, too, is also upset. "I don't want to see my 10-year-old granddaughter sick from this crap, literally," she said.(1)

• The offending house looks appealing, with log-cabin siding. But along with a failed septic, it is in foreclosure and is set to be auctioned Aug. 12 by SunTrust Mortgage of Irvine, Calif., which claims it is due $223,344. Attempts to reach the homeowners, Thomas Antonucci and Linda Rosenzweig of Hopewell Junction, were unsuccessful.

For more, see Neighbor's failed septic a noxious problem.

(1) According to the story, failing septics are an increasing issue in Putnam, where exceptionally wet weather has stressed marginal systems and where summer enclaves with small cottages are now year-round homes. "Many of these homes were only meant to be used in July and August. This is a massive problem," said county Legislator Sam Oliverio, D-Putnam Valley, admonishing officials for not having kept a closer watch on changing communities and zoning.