A family in South Austin is facing significant disruption as construction crews work on the Del Curto Storm Drain Improvement Project right next to their historic 1940s home on Thornton Road. The couple, Eden and Ryan O’Malley, are grappling with the challenges posed by this project, which has resulted in the removal of several trees from their property due to a long-standing easement established in 1958.
The O’Malleys have reported that construction is ongoing six days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with little regard for their comfort or property. Recently, three trees were cut down, including one that the couple believed would be preserved. While two of the removed trees were within the city’s easement, the O’Malleys contest that the third tree was on their property line, a claim the city disputes.
“The construction’s been happening, it’s very extreme, but I think the most jarring for us recently was the loss of three 100-plus-year-old, like 100-foot tall trees,” Eden expressed, noting that there has been a lack of communication from the city regarding the situation. “They’re just gone.”
Initially, the O’Malleys were informed that the third tree would not be removed. Eden suspects that the construction crew was following city directives without adequate oversight. “The city told them that they did not need to get a permit for one of the trees. It would be completely fine through the construction. Of course, their equipment severed the roots of that tree, and we received confirmation from an arborist on site that that’s exactly what happened,” she added.
The permit for the tree’s removal cited various health issues including “multiple gashes in branches, potential car damage to the trunk, very poor health, and potential hazard.” Eden refuted the claim of car damage, stating, “It was just kind of like putting the blame onto us and not taking any type of responsibility for it.”
In response to inquiries, the city confirmed that the tree in question was a 25-inch hackberry tree categorized as being in dead, diseased, or imminent hazard (DDI) condition prior to the construction. City officials clarified that it did not qualify as a heritage tree, which requires specific criteria that this type does not meet. The city maintained that the tree’s removal was warranted regardless of the ongoing construction.
As for the other two trees removed from the easement, the city stated that they will not be replaced due to their potential to obstruct maintenance of essential infrastructure, such as storm drains.
Living in the midst of this construction chaos has been challenging for the O’Malleys. Ryan voiced their frustration, saying, “We understand they’re trying to just get their job done as fast as possible, but it’s extremely hard to live and work with the dust, noise, and vibration. We’ve experienced over 100-plus decibels of digging noise. The City of Austin thinks it’s still safe for us to be here and live here.”
In an effort to address residents’ concerns, the city indicated it has been sending updates via email to those on a subscription list, detailing construction schedules and neighborhood impacts. They also mentioned that the project team has been in regular contact with the residents and their attorney to address any issues that arise.
