Greenbelt Residents Frustrated by Lack of Notice for Standpipe Rehabilitation Project

Neighbors say construction and sandblasting work has caused prolonged noise and disruption without adequate communication from the water utility.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:35am

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Residents living near the Greenbelt Standpipe Rehabilitation Project in Maryland say construction and ongoing sandblasting work began without adequate notice, bringing prolonged noise and disruption to dozens of nearby households. Neighbors say they understand the need for infrastructure repairs, but a lack of consistent communication from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has left families scrambling to cope with unexpected construction impacts, including a house demolition, sustained noise levels exceeding 100 decibels, and vibrations felt inside homes.

Why it matters

The Greenbelt Standpipe Rehabilitation Project is a necessary infrastructure upgrade, but the lack of communication from the water utility has created frustration and disruption for nearby residents. This highlights the importance of proactive community engagement and transparent operations when undertaking major public works projects that impact local neighborhoods.

The details

Residents described being caught off guard when the house at 241 Lastner Lane, purchased by WSSC, was demolished without warning. More recently, residents say sandblasting work to remove old paint from the standpipe has created sustained noise levels exceeding 100 decibels outdoors, with indoor levels between 60 and 80 decibels for hours at a time, accompanied by physical vibrations. The noise has affected daily life, particularly for families with young children and pets, and residents say the response from project representatives has been inconsistent, with unclear communication about the duration of work.

  • The house at 241 Lastner Lane was demolished without prior notice.
  • Sandblasting work to remove old paint from the standpipe has been ongoing, creating sustained noise levels exceeding 100 decibels.

The players

Kemari Legg

A resident who lives near the project and has voiced concerns about the lack of communication from the water utility.

Kelly Brower

A nearby resident who has experienced the noise and vibrations from the construction work.

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)

The water utility responsible for the Greenbelt Standpipe Rehabilitation Project.

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What they’re saying

“We voiced our concerns about getting prompt communication, because they had done various small staging tasks before without giving the community, the surrounding neighbors, any kind of notice.”

— Kemari Legg, Resident

“We woke up, and as Kemari said, there was a crane, and it just like, took the house down.”

— Kelly Brower, Resident

“That sander causes around over 100 decibels of sound in that area. From our house, it was 100 decibels.”

— Kemari Legg, Resident

“For us, it was 65 decibels in the house, 85 decibels outside of the house, and it was just constant. We're not as close, but you could still feel it. It's like a vibration and shaking for eight straight hours.”

— Kelly Brower, Resident

“We understand this work has been disruptive at times, and we sincerely apologize to the community for that impact. We are committed to doing better with advance notification, especially ahead of louder construction activities, so residents know what to expect and when.”

— Lyn Riggins, WSSC Section Manager, External Communications and Livestream Operations

What’s next

In the next phase of work, which begins late spring/early summer, the construction contractors will work on other methods to reduce noise and its impact on the community.

The takeaway

While the Greenbelt Standpipe Rehabilitation Project is a necessary infrastructure upgrade, the lack of consistent communication from the water utility has created significant disruption and frustration for nearby residents. This highlights the importance of proactive community engagement and transparent operations when undertaking major public works projects that impact local neighborhoods.