Health Department Closes Hudson Valley Pizzeria

Update: The article has been updated to reflect comment from the Orange County Department of Health. 

The Orange County Department of Health has closed down a popular pizzeria in the Hudson Valley.

On Monday, July 2, Villa Italia announced on their Facebook page that they were forced to close temporarily by the Orange County Department of Health due to sewage leaking They stated that there were issues with the Orange County regarding their septic system. Villa Italia claims that they were given no notice by the County, and were told to close the doors when they arrived.

On Saturday, July 7, Villa Italia posted on their Facebook that they still have not re-opened. They claim that septic system designs were submitted to Orange County Department of Health. According to their Facebook post, the County told Villa Italia they would review the designs when they have the chance.

Villa Italia claims that their livelihood and the livelihood of their employees are being affected. There has been no updated as to when Villa Italia will reopen if they will at all.

After reaching out to the Orange County Department of Health for comment, Deputy Commissioner of Health Chris Ericson said that the Villa Italia has had a sewage disposal problem since November 2014. On February 28, 2018, Villa Italia's permit expired. They have been operating without a permit from March 1, 2018, to July 2, 2018. A new permit was not issued because of the ongoing sewage disposal problem.

Ericson said that before the Department of Health can even approve the new septic plan paperwork submitted by Villa Italia, the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) needs to approve the plans.

Ericson said he did not have a timeline for if and when the paperwork would be approved.