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Driveway mess often leaves family stranded

7 years 3 months 2 weeks ago Friday, December 09 2016 Dec 9, 2016 December 09, 2016 10:56 PM December 09, 2016 in News
Source: WBRZ

HOLDEN - Some days, a woman says she's stuck in her own home because she can't make it out of her driveway.

Terri Vernazza says every time it rains her driveway is left looking like the 1000 Islands.

"If you like mud riding, if you like being stuck for hours on end, be my guest and come out here and enjoy the ride," she said.

The homeowner isn't sure what to do because the land her driveway goes through is owned by someone else.

It's definitely not a drive for a person with a bad back but it's a round Vernazza and her family members are forced to take quite often. Their home is tucked behind trees about a half mile off Weiss Road in Holden. The long driveway leading to their home has dozens of deep holes and tire marks filled with water, some of which are about knee deep.

"If you have to drive to get to work you're not getting to work," she said.

It's creating problems for her family. Her children can't get to school someday and doctors appointments are missed. The family has been dealing with the issue for about 11 years.

When Vernazza met to speak with WBRZ at the end of her driveway, she pointed out a tow strap attached to her van that's used frequently. Already, the car has been stuck three times this week.

She says she's tried everything to make things better but her please go unanswered. Government officials can't offer solutions.

"The land is private property and is owned by someone who lives in Mississippi but is unreachable," she said.

Vernazza says the owner of the property doesn't return calls and she's asking for help.

"If you got rocks, come drop them in the holes," she said.

Vernazza is worried about having an emergency and emergency vehicles not being able to make it to her house. After 11 years, her family wants some peace of mind and not worry about getting stuck whenever they take their car for a drive.

Livingston Parish offices are closed Friday. WBRZ did get in touch with someone who says they'll look into the case Monday.

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