My entrance is blocked by a council project and ‘I’m a prisoner in my own home’ – there was no warning before I started

A HOMEOWNER has described her negative experience of being trapped in her home by construction work.

The stress of the noise took a physical toll, she said.

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Alicia Taliaferro, a homeowner in Austin, Texas, felt like the construction in front of her home was almost worse than being behind bars.

“I felt like a prisoner in my own home,” Taliaferro told NBC affiliate KXAN.

Construction vehicles blocked his driveway, leaving him no way to back out without interrupting work.

The construction project was initiated by the city of Austin to replace old below-pavement wastewater lines.

The city says it sent her a letter warning her about the construction, but Taliaferro said she was never notified.

“We didn’t get any warning,” she said.

“I feel like the city or the city contractor should have told us.”

The worst part, she said, was the long list of disturbances that followed the start of the project.

“I have a headache this morning of that,” she continued.

“The houses actually shook and it scared me because I’m thinking, ‘What damage could be done?'”

The work is scheduled to last until the next day, November 2, 2022, but Taliaferro fears that the construction will interfere with his plans.

“I have to leave tomorrow,” she said.

She pointed to the heavy vehicles blocking her driveway as they worked.

“See what steps I need to take to get in and out of my house.”

The city told reporters that Taliaferro was allowed entry around 5pm that night.

In July 2023, the city of Austin reported that it spent $330,000 to inform homeowners about projects that were within 500 feet of their homes, the report said. Austin Monitor.

How to stay in the loop

Monitoring your city’s media outlets can be especially helpful.

With modern technology, there are many ways to send knowledge immediately to your phone or email inbox.

Here are the best ways to find out what’s happening in your city:

1. Sign up for your city’s newsletter. Many cities use the platform to inform the public about pending construction projects, events, law changes, seasonal updates or reminders. Check your city’s official website.
2. Follow your city’s official social media pages. Many cities have official X profiles or Facebook pages that post regular, timely updates on important issues.
3. Check your city’s media page regularly.
4. Sign up for emergency text alerts on your city’s website. There you can receive important warnings such as weather alerts, evacuation warnings, amber alerts or construction warnings immediately.

The city used advertisements in newspapers and placed posters near the project with dates and times.

Council member Ryan Alter, the staff member who requested the report, said there are “more efficient ways” to reach homeowners.

“I wish we would spend our resources more wisely,” Alter said at the time.

“I think there’s an opportunity to do that here.”

Now the city uses email, social media posts or text alerts.

To ensure you receive a construction warning near your home, sign up for your city’s alert systems, follow their social media pages, and check in on their website frequently.

Residents can also sometimes opt to receive newsletters from the city’s public relations department.