Andover residents: Construction project blasting is damaging homes

ANDOVER, Mass. — Commercial blasting in a residential neighborhood is rattling some Andover homeowners.

The developer and town officials say the project is in compliance, but residents say it is constant racket and is damaging their homes.

"Minimal community impact, little if no blasting." That's what Rob Ciampa says residents were told when the construction project began on Elm Street.

Within days of groundbreaking, the blasting began.

"39 days of heavy blasting in a thickly settled, historic, in-town residential neighborhood. Inexcusable," said Andrew Gordon.

The site - in the middle of several Andover homes - is the future home of an assisted living facility.

The developer, Capitol Seniors Housing (CHS), out of Washington D.C. told Boston 25 News anchor Kerry Kavanaugh the Town of Andover approved everything they've done since breaking ground last fall.

Despite the proximity to homes, the Town of Andover bylaws allow for a commercial property in a residential neighborhood if the site is at least five acres; the CSH site is 10.

After months of blasting, the rock crushing began. Noise isn't the only issue for the homeowners.

"Our houses are rattling, my basement floor cracked. My walls cracked, my basement floor cracked," said Ciampa.

"It's been very stressful too just having this go on in our backyards," said Lori Paglia.

The homeowners are working on submitting claims for the damage. It's unclear what that will get them.

They've also presented concerns to town officials.

In response to those concerns, CSH sent a letter to town officials explaining the construction project in Andover is no different from the process employed across the country.

"....We have undertaken the construction process in Andover no differently from the process we employ in other jurisdictions throughout the country.... we will endeavor to respond to those concerns to the extent practicable throughout the construction process."

>> CLICK HERE to read the full letter

"When we turned to the town and said what are we going to do, they said, it's not our problem. They're in compliance," said Ciampa.

"They know we are upset. They know we are in pain and they could care less," said Gordon.

"There's no one protecting us," said Paglia.

The residents say they may have lost this battle, but their fight continues to change bylaws so this type of construction doesn't happen in another residential neighborhood. To view their petition, click here.

The Town of Andover sent Boston 25 the following statement:

"The Town of Andover would never knowingly allow construction or other activities that caused dangerous, hazardous, or harmful conditions for our residents. The project in question was approved by the Town of Andover in accordance with local zoning bylaws.  The Andover Building Division has been enforcing the special conditions approved for this project and has had daily contact with project representatives.

The Town of Andover has heard the concerns of neighborhood residents and understands that the construction activities associated with this project have had an impact on their daily lives.  It is understandable that some residents may be unhappy that blasting and rock crushing were occurring near their homes. All blasting that occurred on site was conducted by a certified blasting company under a permit by the Andover Fire Department.  The State Fire Marshal's Office was on site, reviewed the blasting activities, and found them to be in compliance with state law.  Thankfully, the blasting ended in January.  Rock crushing activities are scheduled to end in the next few weeks, weather permitting.

To help address the concerns from the neighborhood regarding noise the Town hired a noise consultant.  On February 16 our noise consultant determined that the construction firm exceeded state noise level regulations on February 15.  The Town ordered the construction firm to immediately take corrective action and will take aggressive action if remedial efforts are not implemented immediately. The Town of Andover will also continue to closely monitor the construction process for the duration of this project and will take all necessary actions to ensure the safety of all our residents.

The Town publishes a weekly update regarding this project on the Town web site.  Residents are urged to contact the Deputy Town Manager 978-623-8210 or jmangiaratti@andoverma.gov if they have any questions about how to report any damage or other problems related to the project."

Cox Media Group