After countless years and a long history of disturbances, drug violations and numerous calls to the Rockwell Police Department, this neighborhood should soon see long awaited changes.
On Wednesday, June 2, Superior Court Judge Timothy Gould signed a consent judgment for a Chapter 19 Nuisance Abatement action for the property located at 116 Gold Hill Avenue, Rockwell.
This judgment concludes a civil nuisance abatement case brought by the Town of Rockwell on behalf of the State of North Carolina. Chapter 19 of the North Carolina General Statutes defines “nuisance” activities and provides for a civil remedy to abate such criminal acts and their detrimental impacts on the community.
“This address has been a problem for years, causing the community to live in fear and constantly draining emergency services and law enforcement resources,” said Rockwell Police Chief Hugh Bost. “This remedy is a result of an outstanding investigation between the Rockwell Police Department, members of the ALE Nuisance Abatement Team and cooperation from the family who owned this property.”
The terms of the consent judgment called for the property to be sold and demolished. It forged an agreement to permanently prohibit the property owner and tenant from operating or maintaining a public nuisance at this location, or anywhere within North Carolina. In addition, the judgment ordered the property be vacated within 48 hours.
Chief Bost expressed his gratitude for the effort and outcome. “It was a pleasure to work with the property owner and to return peace back to this community. I appreciate the communities support working with law enforcement on this investigation. We can only reach successful resolutions by working together.” said Bost.
"The nuisance abatement law provides a solution for problem locations that strain law enforcement resources and reduce the quality of life for others,” said Scottie Shoaf, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Nuisance Abatement Team. “It was a privilege to work with the property owner and the community to bring positive changes for residents living in this community.