Blasting Wedgewood Houston | PART ONE

Written By Earnest Morgan

Residents Worry About Structural Damage

Residents of the historic Wedgewood Houston (WEHO) neighborhood are escalating their demands for transparency and meaningful action from AJ Capital Partners (AJCP) regarding the ongoing Wedgewood Village Project (ie Merritt Mansion), as development project. The situation centers on concerns about planned blasting activities and a lack of clear communication from the developer.

Unexplained Blasting Notices Spark Community Concerns

In November 2024, an undisclosed number of residents received unexpected notices from VCE Technical, an independent contractor hired for pre-construction surveys. This triggered immediate anxieties about property safety and the overall impact of construction on their daily lives. Residents can review the communication at: https://www.wehosocial.org/news/merritt-mansion-blasting-notice

Wedgewood Houston Social, represented by Earnest Morgan, promptly initiated communication with AJCP on November 6th, seeking clarification on several critical issues. These included verification of the construction notices and a clear definition of the pre-construction survey boundaries, particularly regarding properties potentially excluded from the assessments.

"Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our historic properties and residents," says Morgan. "Unfortunately, attempts to establish clear communication channels with both the developer and city representatives have yielded limited success."

Key Concerns and Unmet Requests

  • Unverified Construction Notices: Residents need confirmation of the legitimacy and purpose of the VCE Technical notices.

  • Unclear Blast Impact Zones: The lack of defined zones for potential blasting impacts raises anxieties about property damage.

  • Limited Pre-Construction Survey Scope: Residents want to know if their properties are included in the pre-construction assessments that are crucial for identifying potential risks.

  • Absent Property Protection Measures: Specific guarantees regarding property protection during construction are essential for residents' peace of mind.

  • Delayed Developer Response: The initial inquiry on November 6th received a response only after 12 days, with limited specifics addressing current concerns.

  • Inadequate Community Engagement: Residents feel their concerns haven't been adequately addressed. They requested a dedicated community meeting by November 30th, 2024, to discuss project details and establish clear communication channels, but this request remains unfulfilled by AJCP.

A Call for Transparency and Action

The neighborhood association urges AJCP to:

  • Hold an immediate public meeting with residents to address their concerns.

  • Verify all construction notices and clearly outline the blasting plan.

  • Define pre-construction survey boundaries and ensure all potentially impacted properties are included.

  • Provide written guarantees for property protection during construction.

  • Establish a clear and regular communication plan to keep residents informed throughout the project.

  • Engage actively with Metro Council representatives to ensure their support for the community's well-being.

Members of WEHO Social will be provided a comprehensive resource guide to better understand recommended property protection measures, important contacts, insurance considerations, documentation checklist, communication templates, public policy, and FAQ’s. By understanding the potential impacts of construction blasting and taking proactive measures, homeowners in Nashville, TN, can protect their properties and ensure their safety.

Wedgewood Houston Social remains committed to advocating for transparent communication between residents and AJCP throughout this significant construction project, and continue to provide updates as they become available.

The guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice, and expected to be available no later than Friday, January 10th by visiting the neighborhood organizations website.

www.wedgewoodhouston.org

Wedgewood Village

Opinions expressed in Expert Commentary articles are those of the author and are not necessarily held by the author's employer or Wedgewood Houston Social, Wedgewood Houston, WEHO Business, or Members. Expert Commentary articles and other WEHO Social Online content do not purport to provide legal, accounting, or other professional advice or opinion. If such advice is needed, consult with your attorney, accountant, or other qualified adviser.

Earnest Morgan
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Unexplained Blasting Notices Spark Community Concerns