Residents urge answers after utility and road work on West Harrisville Road; city says widening still in design
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Summary
Multiple residents told the council they received no timely notice about utility and roadway work along West Harrisville Road, citing damaged yards, raised water meters and driveway access issues; city staff said the widening project remains in design and a property‑acquisition agent will contact affected owners.
HARRISVILLE — A stream of residents at Monday’s council meeting urged clearer communication and immediate solutions after visible construction and utility activity on West Harrisville Road.
Dan Bateman told the council he had been trying to get information about the project and bluntly said, “I need answers.” Marvin Farrell and others described property impacts they attribute to recent work: raised water meters sitting high above yard grade, irrigation ditches moved or disturbed, and steep driveway approaches where sidewalks or grading appear to be planned. Several residents said they had not received direct notice from the city before work occurred and asked whether the city would compensate homeowners if property values decrease.
“I haven’t received a letter in my home,” Isaac Wong said, describing differing accounts among neighbors about whether property owners had been notified. Commenters repeatedly asked for drawings that show how the right‑of‑way, sidewalk and new curb line will relate to existing homes.
City staff member Jenny responded that the city’s West Harrisville Road widening project is still in design and that the city has not begun its construction. She said some visible work in the corridor was performed by other agencies and contractors: "The work the current work that was constructed on West Harrisville Road was done through Buena Vista. That was not a city project," Jenny said, and explained that the city has engaged a property‑acquisition agent who will contact record owners because federal funding requires owner outreach.
Staff encouraged residents who experience immediate property damage to contact the contractor or agency responsible for the work they observed and to await contact from the city’s property‑acquisition agent (the consultant name given in the meeting was Shannon Wixom of Avenue Consulting). Councilmembers asked staff to provide clearer project drawings and a timeline for when property owners will be contacted.
The council did not vote on project specifics at the meeting but agreed staff will follow up with affected residents and report status updates at a future meeting.
