Several months ago we noticed that our neighborhood was staked. All utilities were marked. I inquired with city of Battlefield. They let me know that projects are being considered by the Public Water Dist. #1 and if it is deemed affordable they may be replacing water lines in our neighborhood. I was assured at that time that a letter would go out to residents if work was going to take place in our neighborhood. About a month ago I noticed large white water lines showing up at a vacant lot. I was certain my letter would be coming and I would find out what this meant for us. I noticed men marking my yard again. I called again. I was told to call Shannon Campbell who is in charge of this project. When I called he told me work was to begin in two days. When I asked about the letter I was supposed to receive he said,"yeah, we were gonna do that." Mr. Campbell noted that he would be meeting with the contractor the following day and could meet to talk with us. My husband went out in the yard and was informed that the easement would be utilized but that they would try to work shallowly in our yard. We have no less than eight mature oaks and one pine tree that run along the easement. I assure you I was not there 100 years ago when the acorn landed. On our side of the line there are 5 trees and four in the easement. Work began in our neighbors yard. They are hammering through rock to create a four foot deep trench. A large lilac bush in the way was not removed - just cut in half. I will have to pay to have it removed and hauled off if it is left there. My Pine tree has been raised and the trucks going under it even now are breaking branches and they have just begun. I have several questions. Am I to understand that notice is not necessary? Isn't that a little convenient. No one has time to research ramifications nor can I discuss alternatives. I was told I can attend their monthly board meeting in two weeks. By then the damage will be done and my 100 year old trees won't have a chance. Too bad for me. So, no notice. Now I am to understand that when these nine 100 year old trees die - the Missouri Conservation Dept and Arborists have told me it is likely - they will fall on my home and privacy fence causing untold damage. They will need to be removed and stumps ground to the tune of $350-$500 apiece. All of this is my responsibility. My property that was once shaded and parklike will now be full sun and I have to believe that losing those trees will decrease my properties appeal and decrease resale value. Nine trees no longer shading my home will mean a drastic increase in my utilities. And if I wanted to replace the trees that are in my property lines it could mean hundreds to thousands. Have you priced a hundred year old tree lately? I could buy a stick and plant it and 80 years from now.... Too bad for me again. I have contacted David Coonrod, Missouri Conservation, Jefferson City, City of Battlefield, Public Water Dist. #1, Arborists. Too bad for me. This could potentially mean thousands of dollars for me if the trees die and there aren't too many trees out there that can have a 4 ft. trench dug 3 ft. from their base and survive. I will have to remove and grind out nine trees. I could have to replace my privacy fence. I can't estimate how many sections. My home could incur damage dependent upon which way the wind blows. My utility bills will go up. I truly understand what easements are and why they are utilized. What I don't understand is how a decision can be made that can have an effect upon my family to the tune of thousands of dollars and it's just too bad for me. At what point is common decency (notification) suspended and a complete lack of appreciation for the potential ramifications for homeowners acceptable? My pictures don't even do it justice and I would love you to come by and see this for yourself
Water Company leaves damage in its wake
by tnbboyd (Subscribe)
Posted on: Jul 6, 2009 at 4:43 PM CDT
Channel: Local News
Location: Springfield, MO
kinda looks like what PWSD#3 did in Lebanon to it's residents.
I bet the workers wouldn't let that happen to their own property.
Just like CU here in Spfld. They know they can get away with anything and no one can do anything about it. You should see what they did to my yard when they put in the fiber optic lines. They are like neighborhood bullies that everyone dreads.
Just like CU here in Spfld. They know they can get away with anything and no one can do anything about it. You should see what they did to my yard when they put in the fiber optic lines. They are like neighborhood bullies that everyone dreads
phatress says ...
On Wednesday, Jul 8 at 5:38 AM
I agree this is totally wrong what they are going to do to your property. I've noticed that Missouri is like this. Such a beautiful place with the worst laws. Not to mention how crooked the law is. Heartless....