Yesterday, after a long history of disturbances, drug violations and countless calls for service, Superior Court Judge William H. Coward signed a consent judgement for a Chapter 19 Nuisance Abatement action against the property owner of 301 Claude Gilbert Road, Columbus.
This judgment was the final step in a civil nuisance abatement case brought by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and ALE. 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 Polk County Sherriff Tim Wright. “This remedy is a result of an outstanding investigation between Polk County Sheriff’s Office and members of the ALE Nuisance Abatement Team.”
The terms of the consent judgment called for the property to be sold and forged an agreement detailing the future intended use of the property, which forbids future nuisance-related activities. In addition, the judgment ordered the property be vacated in 60 days.
“I commend the citizens and ALE partnering with us to ensure this community returns to a peaceful life,” said Wright.
"The nuisance abatement law provides a solution to 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. “We are glad to work with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to bring a permanent resolution to this problem and embrace the positive changes this judgment will facilitate in the community.”