Locals file complaints against blasting company

Posted: 02/01/13 at 4:55 pm EST      Last Updated: 02/01/13 at 5:11 pm EST

MARBLEHEAD, Mass. (WHDH) -- Residents say work in a Marblehead neighborhood is damaging their homes.

The homeowners say the blasting is leaving cracks in their property.

Video shows the noise and vibrations during a blast on a construction site for a new school in Marblehead, and not far from Barton Hyte's home.

"It actually felt like an F-15 dropped ordinance in the backyard; the whole house shook, the ground shook,” Hyte said.

Hyte is one of 27 homeowners who have filed complaints against the blasting company hired by the contractor building the new school.

Kaarina Kvaavik can see the worksite from her bedroom -- and the damage on her walls.

“I would say 90 percent [of the rooms in the house are cracked],” said Kvaavik.

Yet the homeowners say no one is helping them. Letters from the blasting company deny responsibility, claiming jumping or slamming doors could have caused it.

The town says, "The town is very much concerned about the impact the blasting activities are having on the neighborhood…unfortunately we are limited by law as to what we can do to pursue damages on behalf of the property owners.”

Which leaves the homeowners to fight the blasting company that once had its permit pulled because it failed to respond to their complaints.

"The problem is not that we have sustained damage but that no one is taking responsibility," Hyte said.

The blasting company told 7News it had no comment on the matter.

The homeowners who have filed complaints say they may come together and file a law suit as well.

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