Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Many of you know that I have a big issue with the fact that when we purchased our lot and had our house built in Chatham, we were not told that a freight train runs day and night about 500 yards behind our house. The engineers blow the horn continuously as they pass by.

I received a call Thursday from an old roommate of mine who is now executive producer of one ot the nations top rated television network news magazine programs. It is seen each week on a major television network. They are doing a story on the new "Train Horn Rule" established by the Railroad Safety Administration. It seems that people don't believe there has been any change in the train horns since the new rule took effect last year.

Anyway, I sent my friend a link to TOTV several months ago and he viewed my piece on the train that runs behind my house. He wants to send a NY based crew here in December or January to do a story with me on how the train and horn has impacted the lives of my wife and I. The train traffic is scheduled to increase by 33% over the next few years because Florida is closing the East coast freight line and redirecting it all to Wildwood. Their story is apparently going to include several places around the country where train noise is a problem.

They will get some really good stuff, since in December and January there is a dramatic increase in Florida train traffic (20 to 30 or more times a day). He explained (and I already knew) that even though they shoot the piece, there is no guarantee that it will run. They often shoot twice as many stories as they can air. But he said this has all the elements of being one they select because it has lots of sound and visuals as well as emotion.

Funny thing. Here it is 7:30 Sunday morning and while I am writing this post, the train has gone by twice, sounding the horn all the way. This should make a really good story for them.

For those who are not yet residents of the Villages, I want to add that the train is most noticeable in some areas of Chatham. The farther you get away from this spot, the less you can hear it. In most places, it is only heard in the distance and is not a problem. We have even become mostly use to it, my only complication is that we were not told in the beginning.. We would have purchased elsewhere in the Village had we been told. It is my position that the real estate agent was under an obligation to say something like, "A freight train passes by here 24 times a day and it is loud, is that going to be a problem." (Ya right)

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Jan,
does the train pass near Legacy Lane?? I sent you a PM but guess you haven't had time to answer it..

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Yes Donna, I did answer your PM and even included a map with a diagram of the address you asked about and our house as well.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I'm one of the lucky ones where the train is far enough away to be an almost romantic sound -- at least it was until I saw your vid. I am now very conscious of it and think how sad it is to have your dream disrupted by this constantly.

I hope your home is one of those that gets aired and that it somehow wakes up TV to what they have done and that maybe they will come up with something to help at least a little (like a good sound wall around Chatham).

I know it means little in the scheme of things, but you have my deepest sympathy.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Hi,

What wonderful news. :agree: with what has been written already

"I hope your home is one of those that gets aired and that it somehow wakes up TV to what they have done and that maybe they will come up with something to help at least a little (like a good sound wall around Chatham)."

I know people get used to the sound of trains that are close by and without thinking about it, there voices go higher and lower depending on the noise level of the train.

I had thought there were disclosure laws when you buy a house.

Hope this does the trick.

Perhaps if TV family knew this segment, had an excellent chance to be aired on national television, they would get their act together and do something prior to the filming.

HB

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

When I was at Ft Dix, NJ in Army AIT our barracks was right across the street from McGuire AFB. McGuire was testing jet engines usually starting at about 1 AM. The first few weeks I was there the horrendous jet blast blew most of us out of our bunks, however, within a couple weeks we were used to it and it didn't wake us anymore.

Give it some more time and it may not bother you.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

We feel so bad about this. My wife (who has MS) and I absolutely love our house and the Villages. We moved here to get her away from stress. To a place where she could enjoy peace and quite. If only the agent has told us about the freight train noise, we could have looked elsewhere in the Villages. At the time we purchased the lot and ordered the house, there were no neighbors to check with, the whole area was being developed. Like most of you, we were under very strict time limits to make a decsion and place a deposit. After our preview week, we were back in New York, like a couple of little kids....so excited about our new home and surroundings. I wish you could have been here the first night we lived in the house when the freight train came blasting through. It was like somebody took a sledge hammer and smashed our dream. My wife and I both cried.

If we try to sell the house now, we are under obligation to tell prospective buyers about the noise. I guess you all know what that means.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

As I said in my earlier post, it's been 4 years and it's not the noise as much as it is that we were not told up front. This is not like the military where we have no choice. We paid $50,000 extra for this lot because it was "premium."

We had an appraiser/agent from the Villages come and appraise our house last year. She told us that we absolutely had to disclose the train and that our value is dimished becasue of its existance. We're here for the duration, I'm afraid.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Maybe, Jan there would be buyers for your house who like being very close to the train tracks? There are people who seem to love trains. They seem more common than those who would like moving in where airplanes are making a lot of noise.

That might even be a selling point?

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Chuck, When I was in AIT at Ft. Dix, the air boys took off every 5 minutes around the clock. You're right, after awhile, you just didn't hear it anymore. We were young and so tired at the end of a day we just crashed and didn't hear a thing. I used to go over by McGuire occasionally and watch the takeoffs and landings thinking I'd give my right arm to go up in one of the fighters. Today, I don't think I could become used to it at my age and I sympathize with you Jan. Please let us know if they decide to air your segment.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Jan,
Is your house close to a RR crossing? The law says they must blow horn so many feet from a crossing.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Hey Jan..

I never got the message, sorry..I just checked again, still no message..

I was just curious how close the train was to the location I mentioned...

Thanks any way!!

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I have had a number of people ask me what I want the Villages to do about this situation. I have sent them (The Developer) two letters about a solution, but got no reply.

There is such a thing as a "quiet zone." That is where trains do not have to sound their horn during the night hours. In order to have a "quiet zone" established, there must be an initiative on the part of a governmental or administrative entity. There is an application that must be filed with the state and federal governments. The Villages has an enormous amount of clout locally, statewide and nationally. I have pleaded with them to spearhead the initiative to have the stretch of track along the villages (and behind my house) declared a "quiet zone." Neither of my two letters received an answer.

They have a full time legal department that could do in one day what it would take an army of residents to accomplish in a year. It's the night hours especially that are a problem. We can't ever again sleep with our windows open. A quite zone would give us partial escape from the ongoing barrage of 175 decibel train horns day and night, night and day.

By the Way, I am never, ever going to give up on this battle. I do not quit. I will use every option at my disposal to resolve this issue that plagues my wife and me. In the meantime, we will enjoy every hour here at the villages, between freight trains.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Jan, good luck with your battle. You have lots of friends on TOTV who sympathize with the plight of you and your wife. I know you will put the word out if we can assist you in any way.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

:agree:

Barefoot is right, if there is any way we can help, please don't hesitate to ask... :)

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

:bow:

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

:agree:

Hyacinth Bucket

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Hope it all works out for you. Of course, this market is not the time, but I agree, if you do want to sell to move to a quieter Village, there are people that love the sounds of trains. Keep the hope that something will work out. We are all looking forward to a positive result for you on this one.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I just finished reading about your plight.

Shame on the developer. But he is still up to his old tricks.

About two weeks ago The Village Sales office advertised a Chatum home for sale with a view of the horse farm on 42. I guess that means another new homeowner will be surprised to find a housing development in the back yard instead of horses.

When is a disclosure necessary? Only after the sale..... when the owner discovers it!!!!!

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I sincerely doubt the Developer knows a thing about this. I do not see him as a micromanager. The Sales office or agent should have their feet held to the fire, instead.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

:cop: close your eyes.

Sam less than 50 to go.

HB

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Who did the letter you sent to "the developer" go to?* Did it request a face to face meeting? Did you followup each letter a few days later with a phone call to the individual the letter was sent to? Did the letter make specific requests or provide specific solutions?

Have you tried a blanket mailing to:

* Each member of the Board of County Commissioners of whichever County you are in.
* Each Board member of the Board of Realtors of this area.
* Each Director of the CDD you are located in.
* The homes of each member of the Schwartz, Morse, and Parr Families.

What would be the length and cost of a sound barrier that would be effective in screening the noise from the homes that are most severly impacted?

Which is more likely to significantly resolve your problem, the establishment of a "quiet zone" or the construction of a noise barrier?* Or both?

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

SamHass don't kid yourself. The developer knows EVERYTHING that is going on here. The family is represented in EVERY department.

I don't understand how disclosure did not apply to them when they sold all of us our homes????? The folks at Nancy Lopez with the sink hole problem were not told about that issue either.

I really have no use for the Morse/Schwartz family anymore. Mr. Schwartz is turning in his grave because of what his children and grandchildren are doing in the family name.

Fortunately for us, we LOVE our home and where it is located. We are far enough away from the train to enjoy the soft sounds late in the evening.

I do pray for Talk Host and his wife all the time. It is a terrible thing that was done to them but I will tell you that very few new buyers were told everything about being a home owner in the Villages. God bless.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I am 'voicing' the following thought as a general statement: Sadly this is more of 'caveat emptor' that came up in another thread earlier. Anyone can tell us anything; if it's not committed in writing, then the buyer of a good or service has nothing to fall back on. And while most merchants are concerned about goodwill, honesty, decency, compassion--even if for only repeat business (or in other words, no matter what their motive...)--there are always those whose motivation is the worship of the Almighty Dollar. We need to do our own research and not rely on the word of others who may not even have questionable motives but may be ignorant of the details of what they're dealing with....

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

It is impossible to be told "everything."* No one is told everything.* Speaking generally, there are too many of us who play "victim".** The "solution" is what we want now.* TalkHost intends to be proactive in getting a solution which we will all hopefully help him achieve.*

The formula is:* Be proactive at the beginning to avoid the problem; or be proactive later to resolve the problem.* "Later" requires much more work and pain.* We should not fully rely on others to avoid potential problems when we are healthy and coherant.

Speaking for my purchase/sales experience, every question I asked was confirmed to have been answered truthfully.* But it was up to me to ask the questions and to ask enough questions to know what other questions to ask.* To the extent that we don't do this, there will be more work at the other end required to repair the situation that results.

Just last night I dreamed that I bought a house at the end of an airport runway and couldn't do anything about it.* Boy did I wake up with a foul headache. But hopefully these kinds of nightmares will serve as a reminder to me...

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I'm confused here about the original purchase. :dontknow: I built off Legacy Lane in the western edge of Chatham, visited the lot several times and heard a train horn as it approached the crossings. We knew that it was there on several more visitations before and during construction. It was not necessary to "disclose" the presence of the train as we both heard it. Sounds as though Jan's purchase was "sight unseen" and if so than I defer to Sid's comment "caveat Emptor". Hope all works out OK for you Jan. :)

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

We had a discussion about buying sight unseen after the first installment of the train noise started last year. I guess many people did buy sight unseen when it came to the actual house. Maybe they visited TV and just said "Yeah I'll buy one!".

I said it then and I'll say it again - This should serve as a cautionary tale to those of us who haven't made our purchase yet. Don't assume any seller, Realtor, developer or the like will disclose anything that is not legally required. Do your own investigation like you would on any major purchase. When I bought my current home my wife and I literally parked our car in front of the empty lot we were considering and stayed there most of the night to get a feel for the neighborhood noise etc. Talk Host obviously didn't do this but us wannabes can learn from these type of mistakes. Not that we won't make some other mistakes but...

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Every time I see a question about maps on here, I recommend both the official TV map and the AAA map. The map from Triple A shows the tracks. The other map does not.

Hi gf,

I would feel the same way about being at the end of a runway. Mr. Boomer, on the other hand, would consider that a feature. I guess it's all about The Pillow That You Dream On.

Boomer

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Boomer, I agree about the maps. TV map only includes property/streets in the villages boundaries. This would exclude the railroad. :)

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

We actually spent several hours, on at least two occasions at our lot after we purchased it. We even had a picnic lunch here. Not one train passed during that time. It was not until the first day (first hour) when we moved in that the first train roared by with the horn blasting. After the fifth one that day, I called the agent. It so happened a train went by while I was talking to him. He swore he knew nothing about it.

Then, later that day, he called back and said that he had told us about it. Funny thing.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Man I feel for you. Every time I hear a train, since hearing your video, I think of you. A couple of days ago I saw a news story on a local Atlanta TV Station a report of an extended r.r. arm at crossing which elimated the need to blow the train whisle. @ of these were being installed in Buckhead (a highend area $) the cost is about 500,000, but if enough people conplaint to local lawmakers it may help. I believe it was WSB T.V. that had the report.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

TH - Just a case of bad timing I guess.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Oh that is soooooooooooooooooooo sad. I will never buy in the VILLAGES AFTER HEARING YOUR STORY . >:( I at this point will be looking up in N. GA. and LOOKING FORWARD TO THE PEACE AND QUITE MYSELF :) What a shame you can't do anything about the realtor not to tell you . Well I really feel bad for you and your wife. a real shame .

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

I have no sympathy for someone who buys a home without checking out the surrounding area. I'm guessing this is not the first home you bought and that you are not 22. A short drive on 42 to 301 would have shown where the train was, it's not new. Some people south on buena vista bought near the sewer plant and now compain about the smell!!! Some bought in new areas near vacant land and now complain about the bare ground and blowing sand..

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

But there is stuff he can do, and those possibilities give him hope. There can be buttons pushed and solutions implemented...I've seen it happen. But it takes time. The big question...at our age how much more time are we willing to devote to such things? :dontknow:

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

This is the third response I have written to this post. The first two, I erased because they were too sarcastic.

Yes, I guess you are right. In most cases these days, it is the fault of the victim.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Its hard to think of everything. I never would have thought of asking about a train. Hasn't train useage been decreasing over the years? I agree, the sales person should have said something. We had similiar issues with our Villages salesperson when we bought. He must have known about some issues which we specifically stated to him we had concerns about, but he never said a thing. Maybe that's the difference between the ethics of a real estate agent, and those of a Villages salesperson.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

llaran
I think your wrong..........yes the "onhus" is on the buyer but the trains do not run all day long or the smell from the sewage plant may only occur after "whatever'. The agent or whoever is really familiar with the area has a responsibility to tell the prospective owner of the train or smell issue. I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE for I just recently had a situation where a buyer of a resale home in our developement made a decision between our home on a 1/2 lot ( and up for over a year) to one backing up to a narrow golf course in our community. When we realized what the competition was, our agent informed the buyers agent, who was not familair with our development, of the potential problem with golf balls in the yard but he did nothing. His client bought this house because they have 2 small children (to use the yard) and believe me they willl not be able to use that yard without hard hats.
This couple was from Mississippi and how would they have known about the narrow course or even the risks associated with a golf course.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

Buyers agents, in particular, have an obligation to know enough about the property to relay both the good and the bad to the buyer.* But as in any trade or profession, there are the good ones and bad ones, the experienced and the inexperienced, the informed and the ill-informed, the ethical and the unethical.* Unless we know with absolute certainty which one we have and can trust them, we owe an extra measure of due diligence to ourselves.
lovehorse

But the question remains, what can a person in this situation do now that the train is out of the shed :o to mitigate the problem.

Re: Update on the train in my back yard in Chatham
 

The guy that was being a wise *** is just that. I thank you Jan for posting this. Now in a few years when it's my turn to live in the TV Historic side I'll be a lot more attention to detail. I really hope this works for you.