2/10/04

Operation Jericho Expands to Include Junk Vehicles
Town to Assist Property Owners in Removing Junk Vehicles in Addition to Structures

The effort by the Town to improve the appearance of Holly Springs is an ongoing process that has now expanded. Two years ago, the Town began assisting property owners in demolishing and removing their abandoned or dilapidated buildings. Named 'Operation Jericho,' this effort resulted in the demolition of 12 buildings and the relocation of three structures. This year, the effort is expanding to include junk vehicles.

If a property owner voluntarily calls the Town to have a junk vehicle or abandoned or dilapidated structure removed or relocated, the Town can help with the process, giving the property owner substantial savings - potentially thousands of dollars - by eliminating the need to pay professional demolition costs or hauling fees.

There's a catch to this deal, however. The Town will only aid in structure and junk vehicle removal for property owners who voluntarily ask the Town for assistance before Town inspectors begin legal procedures to have the property removed.

"We're being proactive," said Chuck Queen, the Town's safety officer and code enforcer. "We're going to be out there looking for violations. If a complaint is called in and we have to go through legal procedures, there's no deal. There's only a deal if the property owner volunteers or is willing to work with us."

Participation in this program is voluntary. To participate, property owners should call Queen at 557-2914. Queen will visit the property to examine the vehicle or structure. The property owner would then sign a release form that gives the Town the right to remove or demolish the vehicle or structure. If a structure is removed or demolished, the property owner would pay landfill charges and approximately $500 to the Town for labor and hauling costs, depending on the size of the structure. A private contractor might charge from $5,000 to $15,000 for the same job, Queen said.

"We're trying to give an opportunity to the property owners in Town to take the first step," Queen said. "And, in doing so, it may save them thousands of dollars."

When a complaint is filed, Town inspectors investigate the complaint and determine if it is valid. If the Town finds a junk vehicle - a vehicle that is not registered, does not have a valid license plate and is not operational - the Town mails a notice of the violation to the property owner. After receiving the notice, the property owner has 15 days to remove the vehicle. If the vehicle is not removed, Town will have the vehicle towed and will send the property owner the bill.

A similar process is followed for complaints about dilapidated structures. Once a complaint is filed, Town inspectors investigate the complaint. If a structure does not meet state standards, a notice will be mailed to the property owner, alerting the owner of the need to relocate, fix or demolish the property. If the structure remains without repair for 90 days, the Town boards up the building. After a year, the Town will demolish the structure.

Queen said the Town is also continuing to enforce its grass and noxious weed policy. Grass and noxious weeds are considered to be a public nuisance when they exceed 24 inches in height.

For more information or to report a junk vehicle, dilapidated structure, or tall weeds and grass, contact Queen at 557-2914.

Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us