Neighbors raise concerns over big rigs, loud noise, diesel fumes, dust, valley fever at construction site
Map of new construction on the east side of Paso Robles with a red circle at the Scott Street truck entrance. Image from Google Maps.
Why is narrow Scott Street used as main access for massive new housing project? – City officials reply below letter to the editor
To the editor,
– The Olsen-Chandler Ranch development is well underway on the east side of Paso Robles.
One of the new projects inside this massive development is a senior community called Nevina by Shea Homes. The main access for this construction runs through the heart of Sierra Bonita Village senior community, and opens into the site where Scott Street was previously a dead end; almost literally in my and my neighbors’ front yards.
While I was aware that Scott Street would eventually open up and flow through to the new community, I was not aware that it would be the main construction access. I was, and still am, bewildered, why this choice was made. And I am not alone. Every person I have talked to about it asks the same question….Why is Scott Street being used instead of Linne Road?
My neighbors and I have been living with the inconvenience and disruption of the noise and dust pollution from the large trucks (two trailers) bringing in dirt, and all types of heavy equipment rolling through our small streets for about a year and a half. The past month has seen a dramatic increase in activity. The truck and equipment noise, all day long, beginning, at times, before 7 a.m., the smell of diesel, and large clouds of dust trailing behind these massive trucks negatively impact our quality of life.
One of my husband’s golf buddies was recently diagnosed with valley fever, and several of my neighbors who already suffer from respiratory issues are having increased symptoms. I recently read a news article that said valley fever is rising in all SLO County.
I find it ironic that the developer, Nevina by Shea Homes, is advertising this amazing, new senior community while at the same time violating one of my senior community’s CC&R resolutions that states in part: Anything being done or kept in common areas which may become an annoyance, a disturbance, safety hazard to the neighborhood, or which shall unreasonably interfere with the quiet enjoyment of other residents in the community shall be considered a nuisance and a violation of the CC&R’s.
That last section is what we are experiencing….This interferes with the quiet enjoyment of our community. I cannot open my doors and windows when the weather is lovely because of the noise, fumes, and dust.
There are two other access points to this project: Park View Lane, and the more obvious, Linne Road. The Linne access is surrounded by open fields, not a senior community neighborhood, whose streets, by the way, are being negatively impacted by the activity.
My husband and I have been in communication with representatives of the developers voicing our concerns. We were told initially there was an open utility trench that ran through the middle of the development that couldn’t be crossed. I found it difficult to believe that with all the equipment at their disposal, a temporary crossing couldn’t be created.
The trench has since been filled in somewhat, and it appears that construction equipment has been crossing it, yet the developer continues to insist that it is still not accessible.
We hosted a meeting in our home last week with two of the developer’s representatives and several concerned neighbors. We were assured that they were doing their best to limit the negative impact as much as they could, but they did not commit to moving the access point. They claim the master developer will not allow the access.
I have done a bit of research, but am still not sure who the master developer is. They were asked if our streets would be repaired after the project’s completion, and they said there were no plans on their end to do so. If you have driven anywhere in Paso, you will know why we won’t hold our breath waiting for the city to make any road repairs.
I and my neighbors feel like David going up against Goliath, and hope to get our message out. My husband and I are beginning a small campaign on our own with signs on our parked cars just outside the entrance, and it could progress to picketing and an old-fashioned sit-in. We already have a few volunteers.
Wouldn’t it be comical to see a big senior development company arrest senior citizens trying to protect their community?
Gayleen Smoot
Eastview Place, Paso Robles, Calif.
Paso Robles city engineer responds to neighbors’ complaints
– City staff appreciate the opportunity to address construction access concerns at the end of Scott Street. The city understands the neighborhood’s frustration; construction traffic can disrupt residents and affect pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. The city aims to minimize these impacts and work with developers to lessen disruptions.
Recently, the Sierra Bonita Development area has seen increased construction activity from the City of Paso Robles, Southern California Gas, and Shea Homes, which is building at the end of Scott Street.
The city recognizes that Scott Street has experienced heavy traffic and is actively collaborating with Shea Homes and SoCal Gas to mitigate these issues. Over the past few months, the city has required SoCalGas to relocate its staging area from Scott Street and asked Shea Homes to move their water refill location into their tract.
Shea Homes has also committed to improving traffic control to better distribute delivery traffic as homes are built. With Shea Homes completing fine grading, the types of construction vehicles will shift from larger dirt haulers to smaller trucks, further reducing disruptions. The city will continue to monitor the area closely.
Shea Homes has met with neighbors to discuss these concerns. Although the meeting did not fully alleviate residents’ worries, both Shea Homes and the city remain committed to finding solutions.
In addition to addressing Scott Street impacts, the city is working with the Olsen South Chandler Master Developer to direct all traffic to the new Sherwood Road as soon as possible. Currently, the developer is installing utilities along Sherwood Road, which has limited access due to open trenches. As construction progresses, the city will work with the developer and Shea Homes to redirect traffic away from residential areas.
The city appreciates residents raising these concerns and will continue to monitor the situation closely while collaborating with contractors to minimize impacts.
David Athey
Interim City Engineer
City of Paso Robles
Editor’s note: Opinion pieces and letters to the editor are the personal opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Paso Robles Daily News or its staff. We welcome letters from local residents regarding relevant local topics. To submit one, click here.
I’m not aware of any cars or trucks falling into open trenches on Sherwood Rd.(Linne Rd.). I have a feeling that Scott St. is just a faster, more convenient entrance for the project. Time is money, and I believe is the driving force for using our neighborhood for access.
If so, just admit it and decide to stop using it.
Mike Leedom
I’m not aware of any cars or trucks falling into open trenches on Sherwood Rd.(Linne Rd.). I have a feeling that Scott St. is just a faster, more convenient entrance for the project. Time is money, and I believe is the driving force for using our neighborhood for access.
If so, just admit it and decide to stop using it.
Mike Leedom