City of Middletown Will Finally Clean Up Debris From Illegally Razed Home

You probably remember hearing about the husband from Middletown who, back in January, abruptly took an excavator and knocked down the house he and his wife, Diane Andryshak, had shared. The story made regional news, as Rhein was charged with second-degree criminal mischief, and probably won't be receiving husband of the year honors anytime soon. His hearings have been repeatedly delayed.

But what ever became of the wrecked house? What happened to all the debris?

It's still there.

The City of Middletown has since been in negotiations with Diane Andryshak about a cleanup. Now, something is going to happen, finally.

The Times Herald Record is reporting that Mayor Joe DeStefano got a court order for the city to perform the much needed job. On Tuesday, the Common Council voted 9-0 to authorize $39,900 to clean up the debris  DeStefano, claiming he was "at the end of his rope", said he’d bill Andryshak later.

Mayor DeStefano says the cleanup had been delayed because NY state inspectors found asbestos at the site. In July, the city had documentation that a consultant for Andryshak had filed an asbestos-removal plan. But DeStefano said the negotiations with Andryshak have since stalled.

Andryshak defended her position, as she sent an email to the Times Herald-Record, maintaining that there was no asbestos at the site.

It is the FAULT of the City of Middletown that the property has remained in the state that it's in and has not been cleared. Middletown falsely claimed asbestos & when they did that, I was not allowed to clear the property. So now I am speaking to you Mayor DeStefano. Make sure all your ducks are in a row or you will be looking at a lawsuit.

Rhein's next court date has been set for Oct. 22.