Since posting about the threat to public safety posed by the Comcast installation in Kingwood, I have received feedback from dozens of damaged residents and their HOAs. However, the people responsible for safety at Comcast don’t seem to be hearing about all of the damages. Or if they hear, they won’t admit it.
Example: Despite my verifying a gas-line break onsite with FIVE independent sources (the homeowner, CenterPoint, HFD, Aspen and Hydroz), a VP at Comcast in another city insisted the line wasn’t broken; that it was just a near miss. Why? Some possibilities.
Comcast’s subcontractors sometimes encourage residents not to report damage.
Employees rarely like to report bad news to their employers; it makes them look bad. Ditto for subcontractors. When it comes to protecting your job security, unreported damage and safety issues are as good as not having accidents in the first place.
Alternatively, residents may not know where to report damage. Many residents claim Comcast and Aspen did not give them that information.
Regardless, it’s clear (to me at least) that Comcast’s damage-reporting system isn’t working. To eliminate the possibilities above, let me try to explain where and how to report damage.
Proper Channels For Reporting Damage/Problems
Here is what I have pieced together through talks with the City of Houston, Comcast and Aspen leaders.
District E represents Kingwood. The City prefers email because it’s easier to search, track and forward. In an emergency, however, you can call 832-393-3008.
Step 3: Contact Relevant Supervisors:
Comcast
Jared Daughrity Comcast Manager of Construction for Houston 8590 West Tidwell Road, Houston, TX 77040 Jared_Daughrity@comcast.com Cell 707-758-6614
Aspen Vice President Governmental Affairs: Ernest W Spicer Jr. The Aspen Utility Company 10000 Richmond Ave | Suite 300 Houston, TX 77042 ernests@theaspencompany.com Mobile: 281-744-1152
Comcast and Aspen use many subcontractors, especially for hydro-excavation. If one damages your property, get as much information from them as possible. Take pictures. Make sure you get photos of the trucks, their license plates and the operators.
But, if they tell you not to report the damage and that they will handle the repairs, report the problem anyway. Especially in that case. Someone’s likely trying to conceal damage from the City or supervisors. Many people have not reported problems and regretted it.
In such instances, I have heard reports of shoddy repairs by unqualified, unlicensed people without the proper permits. The companies involved may be trying to save money, bypass city inspections, or make their safety records look better.
Contact Numbers for Other Utilities Impacted by Comcast
If Comcast/Aspen cuts into one of your utility lines:
For cable tv/internet, call:
Comcast: 1-800-934-6489
AT&T Uverse 1-800-288-2020
Suddenlink 1-877-794-2724
EnTouch/Astound 1-888-765-6461
Tachus 1-832-791-1100
For gas or electric:
To report a suspected natural gas leak, immediately leave your home, go to a safe location and call 911 and then CenterPoint’s natural gas Leak Emergency Hotline: 713-659-2111 or 888-876-5786.
For electric-line cuts: Call 911 and report to CenterPoint Energy immediately at 800-332-7143.
Administration and Regulatory Affairs City of Houston Department of Utility Regulation 611 Walker, Houston TX 77002 832-393-8591 UtilityComplaints@houstontx.gov
The safest bet? Call your insurance agent before Aspen and its subs start digging near you. Find out what your exposure is.
Homeowner insurance won’t necessarily cover damage caused by a negligent party. Unless you have an endorsement for your lawn or landscaping, your insurance company will likely only reimburse you for damage caused during covered peril events. Covered perils are listed in your policy (for example, fire).
So, the only compensation you get may be from the people who caused the damage.
For purposes of determining fair compensation, keep in mind that the property should be restored to the principle of indemnity. That’s the way it was immediately before the damage occurred, not necessarily like new. With that in mind…
Take Plenty of “Before and After” Photos
Many residents say that Comcast and their subs are denying claims based on alleged “pre-existing” damages. Or they may just say, “It’s just not our fault.” So remember to take plenty of before and after photos in case you decide to press your claim through the courts.
Good luck. None of the companies or government entities involved monitor social media. So, to make sure you are being treated fairly, start with the channels they set up. Vent later if you can’t get satisfaction.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/2/2023
2256 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/20231027-RJR_2971.jpg?fit=1100%2C733&ssl=17331100adminadmin2023-11-02 14:44:592023-11-06 07:23:26Where, How to Report Comcast Damage
During the month of October 2023, Sprint Sand & Clay excavated another 5,754 cubic yards (CY) of dirt from a new stormwater detention basin on Harris County Flood Control District’s (HCFCD) Woodridge Village property. Compare that to 5,698 cubic yards in September. The new “total to date” is now 156,478 cubic yards. October’s 5,754 CY exceeds Sprint’s monthly minimum of 5,000 CY.
Perry Homes cleared and graded the property for development beginning in 2017. But insufficient stormwater detention capacity contributed to the flooding of Elm Grove and North Kingwood Forest Villages twice in 2019. HCFCD bought the property from Perry in 2021.
Terms of Excavation and Removal Contract
Sprint began excavation in January of 2022 under an Excavation and Removal Contract (E&R). Their E&R contract gives Sprint the right to remove up to 500,000 cubic yards of material for just $1,000. Sprint then makes its money back by selling the dirt at market rates.
E&R contracts often fluctuate depending on home- and road-building activity nearby. They represent good value for taxpayers because they reduce costs. But they also involve some uncertainty in terms of completion dates.
Where Things Stand at End of October
To date, here’s where things stand in relation to possible goals:
Acre Feetof Stormwater Detention
% of Atlas-14 Requirement
% of Ultimate
Site Had When Purchased from Perry Homes
271
70%
47%
Has as of 11/1/23
368
95.6%
63.4%
Atlas 14 Requires
385
100%
66%
If Sprint Excavates All 500K Cubic Yards…
580
150%
100%
As of 11/1/23
Rain always slows construction activity and it may have played a role during October.
Pictures of Progress
Here are some before/after pictures (in pairs). They show the progress of construction during October.
End of September 2023End of October 2023
It appears that most of the excavation occurred at the far end. These three shots show the progress made in that area.
End of September 2023
End of October 2023, looking NE
End of October 2023 looking SE
Looking back toward the entrance off Woodland Hills…
End of September 2023End of October 2023
How Much Will Be Enough?
HCFCD still has not released the final engineering report for this project. So, we do not know exactly what shape this detention basin will take or what the final volume will be. Regardless, it’s more protection than we had before. And when finished, it will reduce flood risk considerably.
The current rate of excavation when measured in acre feet is about 3.6 per month. That means Sprint would reach the volume required to meet Atlas 14 requirements in about 5 months – the end of the first quarter in 2024. It’s unclear at this time how much HCFCD will have Sprint go beyond that.
NOAA is already working on Atlas 15. Atlas 15 will incorporate the effects of climate change in the national precipitation frequency standards for the first time. NOAA expects estimates to increase. So the size of this detention basin could, too.
Atlas 15 will be the first national precipitation frequency analysis accounting for climate change.
NOAA expects to release the new data for peer review in 2025 and the final study in 2026. After that, NOAA will update the precipitation frequency estimates no less than once every ten years.
There is no such thing as certainty when predicting the future. The good news? There’s plenty of room on this site to expand stormwater detention volume in the future.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/1/2023
2255 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 1505 since TS Imelda
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/20231029-DJI_0721.jpg?fit=1100%2C733&ssl=17331100adminadmin2023-11-01 06:03:172023-11-26 12:21:23Woodridge Village Excavation Rate Increased Slightly in October
Item 418 on today’s Commissioners Court Agenda reads, “Request by the Commissioner of Precinct 3 [Tom Ramsey, PE] for discussion and possible action on the allocation of the Harris County 2022 Road and Park Bonds.” What’s that about?
Before the election, Commissioners court voted to allocate a minimum of $220 million to each precinct. The County then trumpeted that on its website AND at community meetings. But shortly after the election, that all changed. (See photos, screen captures below.)
Now, according to the formula adopted by Commissioners, Precinct 3 gets $32 million less than the minimum – while other precincts get up to $70 million more.
Yet Precinct 3 has 47% of the county’s roads and 35% of its parks to maintain.
But forget about fairness; the FTC calls this “bait and switch.”
In a commercial context, promising something you don’t deliver is fraudulent.
I expected better of the county’s highest elected officials.
Please Commissioners, deliver what you promised. Vote to right this wrong today.
Handout at pre-election Bond Meetingat Humble Civic CenterThe County’s $222 million promise, still evident on 2/2/23 before the vote to change the promise.Screen capture from County’s bond website, before the switcheroo.Allocation today.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/31/2023
2254 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Flier.jpg?fit=1511%2C544&ssl=15441511adminadmin2023-10-31 09:07:462023-10-31 13:22:48Right a Wrong – Fix Bait-and-Switch Bond Allocation
Where, How to Report Comcast Damage
Since posting about the threat to public safety posed by the Comcast installation in Kingwood, I have received feedback from dozens of damaged residents and their HOAs. However, the people responsible for safety at Comcast don’t seem to be hearing about all of the damages. Or if they hear, they won’t admit it.
Example: Despite my verifying a gas-line break onsite with FIVE independent sources (the homeowner, CenterPoint, HFD, Aspen and Hydroz), a VP at Comcast in another city insisted the line wasn’t broken; that it was just a near miss. Why? Some possibilities.
Regardless, it’s clear (to me at least) that Comcast’s damage-reporting system isn’t working. To eliminate the possibilities above, let me try to explain where and how to report damage.
Proper Channels For Reporting Damage/Problems
Here is what I have pieced together through talks with the City of Houston, Comcast and Aspen leaders.
Step 1: Email Aspen at:
Aspen_damages_kingwood@theaspencompany.com for Damages.
Xfinityinfokingwood@theaspencompany.com for other Concerns.
Or call 281-578-1000.
The companies claim you should get a response within two days, but I have talked to many people who have fallen into black holes. So also…
Step 2: Simultaneously Email the City of Houston District E Office at:
DistrictE@houstontx.gov.
District E represents Kingwood. The City prefers email because it’s easier to search, track and forward.
In an emergency, however, you can call 832-393-3008.
Step 3: Contact Relevant Supervisors:
Comcast
Jared Daughrity
Comcast Manager of Construction for Houston
8590 West Tidwell Road, Houston, TX 77040
Jared_Daughrity@comcast.com
Cell 707-758-6614
Aspen
Vice President Governmental Affairs:
Ernest W Spicer Jr.
The Aspen Utility Company
10000 Richmond Ave | Suite 300
Houston, TX 77042
ernests@theaspencompany.com
Mobile: 281-744-1152
Safety and Claims Manager:
Janice Ham
janiceh@theaspencompany.com
Cell # 346-257-7240
Director of Safety:
Simon Anguiano
simona@theaspencompany.com
Cell # 832-612-8189
Aspen’s Corporate Parent: Quanta Services
Project Director – Greg Loop
greg.loop@quantatelcom.com
Cell # (346) 857-7457
Construction Manager – William Brillhart
william.brillhart@quantaservices.com
Cell # (346) 254-3314
Shuffled Off to a Subcontractor?
Comcast and Aspen use many subcontractors, especially for hydro-excavation. If one damages your property, get as much information from them as possible. Take pictures. Make sure you get photos of the trucks, their license plates and the operators.
But, if they tell you not to report the damage and that they will handle the repairs, report the problem anyway. Especially in that case. Someone’s likely trying to conceal damage from the City or supervisors. Many people have not reported problems and regretted it.
In such instances, I have heard reports of shoddy repairs by unqualified, unlicensed people without the proper permits. The companies involved may be trying to save money, bypass city inspections, or make their safety records look better.
Contact Numbers for Other Utilities Impacted by Comcast
If Comcast/Aspen cuts into one of your utility lines:
For cable tv/internet, call:
For gas or electric:
For more information visit CenterPoint’s “Reporting Page.”
Getting No Response or the Runaround?
If all else fails, contact:
Administration and Regulatory Affairs
City of Houston Department of Utility Regulation
611 Walker, Houston TX 77002
832-393-8591
UtilityComplaints@houstontx.gov
Better Business Bureau
https://www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint
Federal Communications Commission
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/filing-informal-complaint
1-888-225 5322.
A Word About Insurance
The safest bet? Call your insurance agent before Aspen and its subs start digging near you. Find out what your exposure is.
Homeowner insurance won’t necessarily cover damage caused by a negligent party. Unless you have an endorsement for your lawn or landscaping, your insurance company will likely only reimburse you for damage caused during covered peril events. Covered perils are listed in your policy (for example, fire).
So, the only compensation you get may be from the people who caused the damage.
For purposes of determining fair compensation, keep in mind that the property should be restored to the principle of indemnity. That’s the way it was immediately before the damage occurred, not necessarily like new. With that in mind…
Take Plenty of “Before and After” Photos
Many residents say that Comcast and their subs are denying claims based on alleged “pre-existing” damages. Or they may just say, “It’s just not our fault.” So remember to take plenty of before and after photos in case you decide to press your claim through the courts.
Good luck. None of the companies or government entities involved monitor social media. So, to make sure you are being treated fairly, start with the channels they set up. Vent later if you can’t get satisfaction.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/2/2023
2256 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
Woodridge Village Excavation Rate Increased Slightly in October
During the month of October 2023, Sprint Sand & Clay excavated another 5,754 cubic yards (CY) of dirt from a new stormwater detention basin on Harris County Flood Control District’s (HCFCD) Woodridge Village property. Compare that to 5,698 cubic yards in September. The new “total to date” is now 156,478 cubic yards. October’s 5,754 CY exceeds Sprint’s monthly minimum of 5,000 CY.
Perry Homes cleared and graded the property for development beginning in 2017. But insufficient stormwater detention capacity contributed to the flooding of Elm Grove and North Kingwood Forest Villages twice in 2019. HCFCD bought the property from Perry in 2021.
Terms of Excavation and Removal Contract
Sprint began excavation in January of 2022 under an Excavation and Removal Contract (E&R). Their E&R contract gives Sprint the right to remove up to 500,000 cubic yards of material for just $1,000. Sprint then makes its money back by selling the dirt at market rates.
E&R contracts often fluctuate depending on home- and road-building activity nearby. They represent good value for taxpayers because they reduce costs. But they also involve some uncertainty in terms of completion dates.
Where Things Stand at End of October
To date, here’s where things stand in relation to possible goals:
Rain always slows construction activity and it may have played a role during October.
Pictures of Progress
Here are some before/after pictures (in pairs). They show the progress of construction during October.
It appears that most of the excavation occurred at the far end. These three shots show the progress made in that area.
End of October 2023, looking NE
Looking back toward the entrance off Woodland Hills…
How Much Will Be Enough?
HCFCD still has not released the final engineering report for this project. So, we do not know exactly what shape this detention basin will take or what the final volume will be. Regardless, it’s more protection than we had before. And when finished, it will reduce flood risk considerably.
The current rate of excavation when measured in acre feet is about 3.6 per month. That means Sprint would reach the volume required to meet Atlas 14 requirements in about 5 months – the end of the first quarter in 2024. It’s unclear at this time how much HCFCD will have Sprint go beyond that.
NOAA is already working on Atlas 15. Atlas 15 will incorporate the effects of climate change in the national precipitation frequency standards for the first time. NOAA expects estimates to increase. So the size of this detention basin could, too.
analysis accounting for climate change.
NOAA expects to release the new data for peer review in 2025 and the final study in 2026. After that, NOAA will update the precipitation frequency estimates no less than once every ten years.
There is no such thing as certainty when predicting the future. The good news? There’s plenty of room on this site to expand stormwater detention volume in the future.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/1/2023
2255 Days since Hurricane Harvey and 1505 since TS Imelda
Right a Wrong – Fix Bait-and-Switch Bond Allocation
Item 418 on today’s Commissioners Court Agenda reads, “Request by the Commissioner of Precinct 3 [Tom Ramsey, PE] for discussion and possible action on the allocation of the Harris County 2022 Road and Park Bonds.” What’s that about?
Before the election, Commissioners court voted to allocate a minimum of $220 million to each precinct. The County then trumpeted that on its website AND at community meetings. But shortly after the election, that all changed. (See photos, screen captures below.)
Yet Precinct 3 has 47% of the county’s roads and 35% of its parks to maintain.
But forget about fairness; the FTC calls this “bait and switch.”
In a commercial context, promising something you don’t deliver is fraudulent.
I expected better of the county’s highest elected officials.
Please Commissioners, deliver what you promised. Vote to right this wrong today.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 10/31/2023
2254 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.