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Lake Valhalla Estates.Com
Dear Editor:
Lakevalhallaestates.com is Peter Morris's latest attempt to attract investors both here and abroad, to develop the 1000 or so acres he owns, in and around Lake Valhalla. He envisions building 75 homes in the $3-5 million range.
Those of us, who live in Lake Valhalla, know the ethically challenged Peter Morris very well. Actually we don't know him at all, even though he owns our roads, the lake, dam, other structures, and three houses here. He has never bothered to introduce himself to the 59 families who live in the middle of his property.
He also never mentions us in his brochures, web sights, and I bet he has never mentioned the following, to perspective investors:
It has taken our community 6 years of legal fees and legal action, to get him to pay his fair share of maintaining his roads. He finally settled. Now he has not paid the last two years, leading to more legal fees and legal action.
Water from his property consistently washes out his road, floods neighboring properties, and leaves material on Town roads. It makes driving for us hazardous. After a long period of neglecting this problem, he contacted a road contractor, who would not do the work for Morris unless money was paid up front. Seems Morris's reputation follows him.
The licensed applicator, who treats his lake, would no longer do it for lack of payment. Now the residents pay for the lake treatment with no compensation from Morris.
Town Board member Richard Shea has written two letters to Morris asking for maintenance and inspection records for his 60-70 year-old dam that appears to have new leak. No reply! This cannot be comforting to the families who live below the dam.
Two books, Serpent on the Rock by Kurt Eichenwald and In Good Faith by Kathleen Sharp were written about Morris's company V.H.S, Prudential Bache, and other affiliates, and their involvement in one of the largest cooperate fraud cases, in U.S. history. A class action suit against them resulted in a $98.5 million settlement.
Morris must have a sense of humor for he wants to use green materials in the 75 homes he wants to build here. 75 green homes will completely destroy one of the most environmentally sensitive areas in Philipstown. Do you think Morris sees the irony here?
What Morris wants to build here will destroy the Lake Valhalla community that has existed for 80 years, the North Highlands, and the fabric of Philipstown.
Philip Vartanian
Lake Valhalla
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