Jeanne Spontak

My name is Jeanne Spontak, and I’m from Candlestick Mobile Home Park in Newburgh, New York. 

Jeanne speaks to a group of people. She is wearing an MHAction name tag. 

I bought my home in March 2019, just months after Lakeshore purchased the property. I wanted to retire here – it’s beautiful. I love the sound of the train at night and the birds. It’s the perfect size for me and my cat. I wanted to have roots here.

Years ago, Lakeshore was fined for their septic system. We were told that their system was outdated and that it was built for a capacity of 34 homes, and we have 114. Then, there was a septic leak under my shed. The Department of Health and code compliance came. The officers told me that this house should never have been here in a septic leach field.

Lakeshore’s solution after I called was to put massive amounts of chlorine in it, without telling us ahead of time. Many of us were gagging while brushing our teeth. Some people said they never use bleach, but the laundry came out all spotted. My hair changed color. I got a shower filter, but it wasn’t enough. I also got a water filter for the whole house, but I can’t get anyone to put it in. It’s expensive. A lot of us here are low income. It’s just not fair. We should have clean water.

The Regional Manager said my house had to move and that either they would pay to move it or make me an offer. I haven’t gotten any of those things. I fear they’re going to try and find anything to give me a violation and evict me. I feel so vulnerable. I could lose everything. And there’s been no communication. 

I would like to live here peacefully and retire here, but dealing with the threat of management is stressful. It’s enough to do real physical damage. Since this has happened, I’ve been beside myself. I don’t sleep well. We live with it every day. It’s a very heavy weight. We don’t know what’s going to happen.