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Neighbors Glad Noise Is Gone

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By HAROLD VALENTINE, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 26, 2008

LAKE MAGDALENE - The inconvenience of a county work project in the front yards of residents on Lake Magdalene Drive has ranged from "minor" to "completely inconvenient," homeowners say.

The project - to replace parts for a stormwater lift station - was scheduled to be finished by December 2007. But project manager C.T. Chen said the project didn't begin until late November.

"The project was extended one month because of underground utility problems," Chen said. "That's the reason it was delayed."

The pump runs under the front yards of Jonathan Marshall and Ursula Zitko. On top of many residents having to take the long way around the block to get to their homes, Marshall and Zitko said a large diesel pump ran day and night for about a month.

"No sleep at night. How's that sound?" Zitko said.

Marshall, who works at home, said the noise was a problem for conference calls. He said the contractor will reimburse him for using his water to cool concrete saws, which were used at his front yard. Marshall said his water bill is usually $72 but last month was $192.

"The guys who are actually doing the job are nice guys," Marshall said.

The stormwater lift station, put in about 10 years ago, transfers water from Lake George - when it is in danger of overflowing - to Lake Magdalene. Chen said there was no malfunctioning parts, but county crews were not able to service the station because the pump was significantly different from other lift stations.

The cost for the project is $260,000.

"You could probably find a private maintenance contractor for the county that services this one pump for a lot less than $260,000 for a long time," Marshall said. "But I don't do the math for the county."

Marshall and Zitko said they are happy noise from the pump stopped. Chen said the project should be finished by Feb. 4, provided the test run for the pump works properly.

Other road projects under way in the area include:

•TECO crews will continue to work on Waters Avenue between Northbridge and Riverwood boulevards until Feb. 8, as well as between Rustic Drive and Twelve Oaks Boulevard until Feb. 4.

•A bus stop - including a shelter, sidewalk and accessory pad - is being installed on Waters between Benjamin and Anderson roads. The work continues until Feb. 15.

•Turn lanes are being installed from Waters onto Woodland Corporate Boulevard between rush hours until June 6. On Woodland Corporate, sidewalks and driveways also are being installed at the same time.

•In Carrollwood, on Valencia Road at the Nakora Drive intersection, failing stormwater pipes are being replaced until Feb. 15. And on Hutchinson Road, between Carey and Pennington roads, Verizon is replacing telephone poles and wires until March 30.

TRAFFIC CONCERNS?

Are there local traffic or road issues that concern you? Construction projects you wonder about, or hazards other drivers should know about? If so, contact reporter Harold Valentine at (813) 865-1526 or hvalentine @tampatrib.com.

Reporter Harold Valentine can be reached at (813) 865-1526 or hvalentine@tampatrib.com.

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