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Cleanup controversy along I-19

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Posted 7:36 AM 7/19/2012 : Cleanup controversy along I-19

GREEN VALLEY, Ariz.- A cleanup controversy along I-19 is fueling a battle between some Green Valley residents and the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Since April ADOT has been removing overgrown plants and trees along the southbound lane on I-19 between Duval Mine Road and Esperanza Boulevard.  ADOT Spokeswoman Linda Ritter tells News 4 Tucson the falling trees and branches pose a danger to nearby residents and drivers.

But the project isn't sitting well with Green Valley Resident Wayne Patrick.  His backyard sits right along the project and says since the trees came down he can hear more traffic.   "The noise is kind of deafening, you can't sit out here and relax," Patrick says. 

He says he has to shut all of his windows to get some peace and quiet.  "If you leave the window open at night you hear it," Patrick says. 

But not everyone's upset about the project.  Green Valley Estates Resident John Smith says if you live near a busy roadway, you should expect noise.  "If you've been living here for 15 years it's just white noise anyhow," Smith says.  "You don't pay any attention to it."

ADOT sent News 4 Tucson a statement saying: "New growth will be apparent in six months to one year. The new growth will eventually be thicker, but not as tall and will not pose a danger as the existing vegetation that is being removed."

But for now, all that's left along the roadside wash are a bunch of tree stumps and piles of twigs. 

Patrick says the only good out of it is now he and his wife have a clear shot of the mountains from their backyard.  "It's a good view, but that's about all I can say about it," Patrick says. 

The project should be completed in early August, weather permitting.

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