Editor: 

Final Bypass leg to kick in was the heading of Dave Roberts' article in the Sept. 26 Press, and I appreciate Mr. Roberts including in his article the longstanding kicker issues of some Summerset residents; namely, the potential audible and visual pollution we expect from Segment 3, as well as the landscaping issue.

It was gratifying to learn that the Bypass program manager is trying to work with Caltrans and the homeowners to see what kind of landscaping We've not heard that from the Authority.

Sometime ago we submitted a simple four-point plan to the Bypass Authority, but have had no response, even after several follow-ups:

An invitation to Bypass Authority Board members to visit the area to see for themselves, on the Bypass itself, northbound between Fairview and Balfour; and in the neighborhoods below and above the Bypass, in the vicinity of Upton Pyne, Desert Gold Terrace, Regent Drive, Cellini and others.

Study and consider alternatives to protect Summerset residents from obvious traffic pollution (engineering studies to the contrary); alternatives such as extending the wall to close the gap, constructing an earthen berm, or providing for traffic-hiding landscaping.

Provide for post-construction noise surveys in the neighborhoods affected, for the purpose of verifying the noise-impact modeling of the original study.

Forming a Landscaping Advisory Committee, including Summerset residents, to work with the landscape consultants at the appropriate time, for landscaping between the sound wall and the homes.

To my knowledge, there has not been any response to our request, and you've got to see this situation to believe it.

By the way, it's not about the Bypass per se. We've known for some time the Bypass was coming (referred to as the Delta Expressway when we purchased in Summerset).

What most of us didn't know were the closeness of the roadway to our homes and the height of the sound wall above some roof levels, blocking out light and view.

So, thanks Mr. Roberts, for your article, and to the Press for continued follow-up. While the complete Bypass opening heralds a new day in Brentwood and East County transportation annals, I do not look forward to the Segment 3 opening. I feel like I've been stonewalled.

Kermit Sveen

Summerset II