Work Accountability

Regarding the article on “Residents Make Stand Against Truck Traffic’: The problem is much more rampant than just this one situation.

I was living in Van Nuys three years ago when a row of apartment buildings was being constructed along Burbank Boulevard, which paralleled my property. Workers and trucks routinely began work at 6 a.m., even though a city ordinance prohibits noise like this until 7 a.m. We called police and the city Noise Abatement Team. If the team caught them in the act, workers would just sit down and wait until 7. The very next day, workers would be back at 6 a.m. The project developers made excuses, saying they can’t control their subcontractors. The workers blamed their bosses, saying they were told to be there by 6 a.m. Truckers said their deliveries were demanded by 7 a.m. by the contractors, so they had to start earlier.

Everyone has to own up to their part in this mess. The police have to fine offenders, developers have to penalize contractors, and contractors need to control their subcontractors. Right now, no penalties are assessed for violating city laws and violating the rights of local homeowners.

Until someone is held accountable, this situation will not improve.

RON SARITZKY

Van Nuys