LIVINGSTON MANOR – An African American couple that bought over eight acres of property and a house on Goff Road in Livingston Manor have filed a lawsuit in Sullivan County State Supreme Court alleging their property assessment was higher than those of white residents.

William and Monique Harrison claim through their attorney, civil rights lawyer Michael Sussman, that their civil rights have been violated.

“It is alleged in the complaint that there is a violation of the equal protection rights, based on race; that’s discrimination, I’m calling it that,” said Sussman. “I am also aware that in a lawsuit, the other side is going to have an opportunity to present their point of view and I am looking forward to hearing how they can justify this. I don’ think they can well, but one never knows.”

The couple bought their home in October 2002 for $355,000. It had an assessment of $295,000. In May 2003, the Town of Rockland assessor raised the assessment to $402,200. The couple protested and it was reduced to $355,000. But, the Harrisons contend other properties, occupied by Caucasians, were assessed at lower market values including one home on over 71 acres on the same road for $175,500 and another on 34 acres, at $226,000.