Long Island Residents Say LIRR Project Damaging Homes
RONKONKOMA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork)-- Neighbors in one Long Island neighborhood said the double-tracking project by the Long Island Rail Road has caused major damage to their homes.
The homes on Sycamore Avenue in Ronkonkoma are very well kept with gorgeous swimming pools in the backyards of homes, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported. However, the owners said their peaceful lives on the cul-de-sac have been interrupted by the double-track project when the LIRR cut down trees to gain access to the nearby tracks.
Marcy Napoli said her lawn has tire marks from large trucks.
"We were concerned about our pool and our brick and everything's separating. The guy from the railroad had come here and said that they did the vibration testing and everything was fine, yet we just feel that we have no recourse," she said.
A woman who lives across the street said that after spending over $9,000 on her driveway that it's now a mess.
"My driveway cannot even be repaired. We're very upset," she said.
The LIRR told WCBS 880 the owners need to hire engineers to make claims to possibly be compensated.
"The LIRR has made every effort to address the concerns of property owners along second track route from Ronkonkoma to Central Islip and keep them informed, a process that began long before construction started. We will continue these efforts until the project is complete and every concern addressed. That includes Mr. Balestieri and the other residents of Sycamore Avenue," it said in a statement.