Residents are complaining that the construction of a new house near the Edgewater Free Public Library is forcing them to deal with dangerous conditions on their streets.
Construction of the house, which is located at the corner of Undercliff and Hudson avenues, began in late 2007.
A letter addressed to the Edgewater Building Department, printed on library letterhead, outlining the problems was circulated among residents recently. The letter said that sidewalks are completely obstructed "resulting in parents being forced to walk strollers and toddlers in the street."
It also said that equipment, safety cones, and a large dumpster take up parking spots on the streets. The letter said that these conditions make it virtually impossible for residents "to attend and make use of the library and its accompanying programs."
Candelmo said he knows residents are upset with how long the project is taking. He said the builder is not violating any regulations. The department made the builder install a pedestrian walkway on Undercliff Avenue and a fence along Hudson Avenue.
"We’re trying to be sympathetic to the needs of the people in the area," Candelmo said. "But there’s not much more that we’re able to do."
Resident Valory Bardinas walks her dog in the area and said she’s had problems because of workers on the construction site.
"One day workers were literally up on the roof and throwing garbage down to the street," she said.
She called the police after almost being hit by an object on one occasion.
"They’re really not respecting the neighborhood," Bardinas said.
Library Director Linda Corona refused to comment.
