After Child Died, County Issues $42K In Fines To Property Owner, Citing 'Hazardous Conditions'

SPRING VALLEY, NY — The tragic death of a child revealed unsafe and illegal conditions at a Rockland County home, according to authorities.

The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes has issued approximately $42,000 in assessed penalties to property owner Joel Friedman, of Spring Valley, following the identification of 51 violations at a White Street home in the Village of Spring Valley.

On Thursday, the agency was asked to inspect the property by the Spring Valley Police Department, following a 911 call related to the death of a child at the home. The child's death, along with the cause, is under investigation by SVPD. At this point in time, there are no known facts indicating that the condition of the structure contributed to the death of the child, authorities said.

"The property has a Certificate of Occupancy as a two-family residence. One- and two-family houses are not subject to routine inspections under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code," county officials said in a statement. "Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment which protects every person's right to be free from unnecessary searches, the Office of Buildings and Codes is only authorized to inspect such properties when a complaint is received that includes enough evidence supporting the finding of probable cause that violations exist at the premises."

Because of the complaint from Spring Valley police, who noted a converted garage, however, an inspection took place.

"This tragedy underscores the importance of code compliance and community responsibility," County Executive Ed Day said. "The County can and will act decisively when violations are identified, but we depend on residents to report unsafe conditions — especially in properties that are not subject to routine inspections. If something doesn't look right, say something. That action can save lives."

Violations identified at the property included alterations without required permits, electrical safety hazards, missing or non-functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, the presence of combustible materials, and blocked or obstructed exits. Inspectors also cited unlawful changes to the home's use and occupancy.

During the inspection, officials determined that the second floor, garage, and basement had been unlawfully converted for residential use, contrary to the building's Certificate of Occupancy. Inspectors also report finding that uninhabitable areas, including the basement and garage, were being occupied, with garage doors and windows boarded up.

Hazardous conditions in the dwelling included unsafe electrical wiring, and the illicit use of hot plates and portable heaters, according to inspectors.

The county confirmed that Child Protective Services (CPS) is involved and continues to work with law enforcement and partner agencies as appropriate.

"There has been commentary on social media suggesting the property was openly and obviously operating as a daycare. However, there was no exterior signage, licensing information, or visible indication at the property to substantiate the claim that it was a location in the business of childcare," regulators said. "We request that if any person becomes aware of or suspects a location is being used as an illegal childcare facility the individual should report it immediately to the appropriate authorities. In the absence of a complaint, two-family homes, are not subject to mandatory inspections. The only ability to conduct inspections is if a complaint is made and there are substantial facts to back up a finding of probable cause (multiple mailboxes, utility boxes, doorbells, personal knowledge of the living circumstances, etc.)."

When inspectors arrived on scene, there were no children present, and this inspection was the first and only inspection request the Office of Buildings and Codes has ever received for this property, officials said. There is no history of prior violations, according to the county agency.

"The violations uncovered at this property presented serious life-safety concerns," Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes Director Edward Markunas said. “Unlawful conversions, blocked exits, unsafe electrical conditions and a lack of smoke and CO detectors put occupants at significant risk. Once we were notified and legally permitted to inspect, we took immediate enforcement action."

Rockland County reminds residents any Building & Code violations within the Village of Spring Valley can be reported to the County Office of Buildings and Codes (OBC) at 845-364-3700 or by sending an email to this address. You may also report via their website.

Sanitary Code Violations countywide can be reported to the Center for Rockland Codes Investigations (RCI) at 845-364-2585 or by filing a report online.

The Rockland County Department of Health's Healthy Neighborhoods Program (HNP) provides free smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to eligible residents.

To schedule a free Healthy Neighborhoods Program home visit, call 845-364-2545 and 845-364-3292. You can also send an email to this address.

Unlicensed work happening in Rockland can be reported to the Office of Consumer Protection at 845-364-3901 or by emailing this address.