No benefit for us

Ridgemont residents face decreasing house values if the City Vista at Parkway development is approved ("Ridgemont Condo Rezoning Delayed," Jan. 28).

There are certain circumstances that decrease property values for owners. One major factor is noise damage.

If City Vista at Parkway is approved, the project will take over our small neighborhood and leave Ridgemont residents with no benefits! Who benefits? SouthStar Development Partners. While a Florida-based developer celebrates profits, we Pittsburgh residents in Ridgemont shall see a huge decrease in our main investment, our home, our future. Our once quiet, family-oriented, safe neighborhood will be changed forever from noise damage from 418 units and tenants' automobiles making 2,174 daily weekday trips in our neighborhood (2,174 is documented from SouthStar's traffic report).

According to US Roadways Engineering Research, factors that determine the reduction in property values are caused by noise. Environmental noise caused by traffic can reduce property values tremendously! This includes impact by residential noise damage.

With 1,000 additional cars in our Ridgemont neighborhood, and additional noise from the 418 units, I will personally have myself and Ridgemont residents submit a bill to SouthStar if this development is approved to cover the cost of damages for decreased home values.

 

KIMBERLY BOTTICELLO
Ridgemont