CALGARY- Planning on putting down roots in a new community? Home buyers are being reminded to double-check everything that sales people promise– before signing on the dotted line.
Calgarians who bought in the southwest community of Garrison Green were expecting a concrete wall to block the traffic noise coming from Glenmore Trail. But three years later, construction on the project hasn’t even started and a temporary plywood wall is all that sits between the roadway and their backyards.
“The traffic and speed and volume increased, and it’s gotten to the point where the sound is unbearable,” complains homeowner Adam Way.
Garbage and dirt have also been piling up, and one resident had a tire bounce into her backyard.
Owners say the builders promised the city had plans to build a three-metre sound barrier, but city councillor Brian Pincott says that was never the case.
“At this point, it’s about trying to be creative, and I haven’t come up with a solution yet,” he explains, adding higher priority projects have delayed the wall by at least three more years. “I’m working with administration on a creative way to get this done, when it isn’t in anybody’s budget or near-term work plan.”
Pincott suggests that when a builder or developer makes a promise about something on city land, potential buyers should call the city to verify the information.
Related links:
Frequently asked questions about noise barriers: http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TP/Pages/Environment/Noise-Barrier-Retrofit-Program-FAQ.aspx
List of barrier construction priority list: http://www.calgary.ca/Transportation/TP/Documents/Environment/trans-noise-info-broch.pdf
Comments