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Friday, August 29, 2008
 
Raven Rock residents cry foul on poorly-built homes
Updated: 01/09/2008 10:11 PM
By: Joleene Des Rosiers

ROME, N.Y. - Imagine moving into a new home, only to be told that it's not only structurally unsound but it's also not in compliance with state code. Residents of a Town of Lee community in Oneida County say their triple-figure homes aren't worth the ground they sit on.


One community, now divided. All because some say the homes they live in were poorly constructed. They say cracks are appearing on their basement floors, the foundation and on their walls and ceilings. Others face code violations for improper fire exits in their finished basements. But all of them, whether they know it or not, are without an adequate firewall.


"There's a time element here. When is this going to be done? I mean, am I going to have my granddaughter sleeping here and God forbid there become a problem. Nobody anticipates a fire!" Donald Cadiff of Raven Rock said.

Some homeowners upset
Imagine moving into a new home, only to be told that it's not only structurally unsound but it's also not in compliance with state code.

The walls were originally inspected by Town of Lee code inspector Vito Piemonte - and o-kayed. But according to a New York State codes inspector, the walls installed between the common wall of each unit in the development are not up to code.


"I have to do this. If it disturbs some people that feel that no matter what, or there's no issue. Everything is sunshine. Everything is great. Well, it isn't great," said Cardiff.


As it is with most issues, there are two points of view. If there weren't, there wouldn't be an issue. And the same holds true in Raven Rock. But not every resident has it out for the builders.


Reporter: "You have no problems with your home?"
Donald Riedle: "None."
Reporter: "And as far as the firewall, it's your understanding it's in there, but it's not in the garage?"
Donald Riedle: "I don't know anything about it at all. I don't know anything about the construction. What it needs, or what they're talking about. That's entirely up to other people."


"I'm still gonna continue with this fight. I'm gonna make this right in here," Cardiff said.


"We're on our third year now here and it has just been marvelous," Riedle said.


A lawyer for those with issues has been retained and a lawsuit may be pending.


Calls were put into the contractor, the developer, and the Town of Lee Code Enforcement officer. None of those calls were returned.





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