Westpark residents rally against Centennial Corridor Project

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Updated: 3/09 5:51 pm

The Centennial Corridor Project could soon extend Highway 58 west of the 99, eventually linking to Interstate 5. Along the way, hundreds of houses would be torn down.

Residents in the Westpark area are getting creative in their effort to keep the freeway out of their neighborhood, holding a yard sale this weekend, with hopes of persevering the community.

Some homeowners say the yard sale serves two purposes, to invite the community to see what the area is like and raise money to hire legal council to assist in their battle to keep the freeway out of their neighborhood.

Homeowner Greg Hogan said, "It's a David versus Goliath fight, but we know how that turned out so we'll see if we can do the same."

Nearly 200 homes could be torn down in the area near california avenue and Highway 99.

Hogan said, "Our house is the first house that's going to be taken, fully acquired, the house right next to us actually won't be."

Even families who won't lose their homes -- say they're not in favor of the project.

Homeowner Sandra Serpa said, "I am actually the last home, I'm not an option to buy. So, I guess what Caltrans wants to do is buy half of my yard and then it's going to elevate with the overpass. So my home is actually the last home before the overpass. So, we're not real happy about that."

Homeowner Laura Graffius said, "The noise, the dust, the pollution from the freeway, to corridor, it's ridiculous."

If the roadway is approved, residents say it's not only changing the cosmetic aspect of the westpark neighborhood, but their sense of community as well.

Serpa said, "We're a close knit neighborhood, we take care of each other, we watch out for each other. I mean, we babysit each others kids and I don't want to look out and see an overpass, I want to see my neighbors."

Still, they are confident they can win this battle, to save their homes.

Hogan said, "I really do believe that this can be stopped."

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The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of KGET TV 17 - In the Spirit of the Golden Empire

RobtAlan1 - 3/10/2013 11:28 AM
0 Votes
Seizzure by eminent domain is difficult and painful for homeowners in the path of progress, but the extension of the 58 is vital for commerce and for the greater good it will be built.

voter1 - 3/9/2013 10:15 PM
1 Vote
Get used to it. It will happen. A wall on the freeway will help with noise.

2carpoor - 3/9/2013 8:39 PM
1 Vote
KC Mantra: There will be no: Peace & Quiet in a neighborhood; There will be no: Well Maintained Neighborhoods that we can't ruin with noise or degradation; There will be no: Assurance that what you bought will be maintained at the level at which you bought; There is no good deed to go unpunished. When they buy these homes they will only buy the lot upon which the stanchion will stand. All others will be left to fend for themselves in the shadow of the above ground road. Hwy 99 is "quiet" because it is below ground level and sound goes down. Be careful who you vote for. The days of looking out for the community are gone.buyer beware.
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