With the traffic off Route 44 and the systemic growth of the county, many would be surprised to learn that Greene County and its 387.5 square miles of land are largely unincorporated. With that comes the many legacy families that have made the county home for generations.
These names are often spotted on road signs and intersections, giving credence to their role in the county. Often these rural parcels become resting grounds for debris, old autos, and other equipment. Many see this as troubling; others see it as their homesteading rights from long ago.
A proposed adoption of a property maintenance code was addressed at last week’s county commission meeting. District 4 Commissioner Ernie Filice made the Commissioners aware of complaints heard from calls made to clean up parcels along Carey Station Road, one of the main thoroughfares in the county, linking it to Madison Highway to the east.
He felt it was important to hear these concerns and initiate measures of an enforceable ordinance to begin cleaning up affected properties.
District 1 Commissioner Angela Deering spoke to the degrees by which the county could potentially enforce an ordinance.
“There is more to this county than just Reynolds and other gated communities,” she said. “Many of these parcels and others throughout the county have been here long before the gated neighborhoods. We need to respect the fact that these are largely rural parcels, inhabited in many cases by the elderly having limited to no funds.
“How are we going to identify and fine those who do not have the funding to either clean up their properties or lack sufficient resources? And, do we as a county even have those resources?”
Filice agreed but stated the county needs to begin taking baby steps to address rural debris before it becomes a much bigger problem.
“The county is seeing large growth on this corridor,” he said. “Look at the neighborhoods going up beyond Traditions. There needs to be some kind of consensus to respect homeowners’ rights and due diligence to the problems.”
County Manager Byron Lombard stated that every county largely rural and unincorporated deals with such issues.
“All counties struggle with this,” Lombard said. “The solutions appear to be creating a balance between respect for legacy families in the county and the need to conform to county ordinances to maintain properties. It is a delicate balance.”
District 3 Commissioner Dee Lindsey stated that his largely rural district in Union Point sees similar issues.
“I can tell you, most of those residents would say it is their property and they will do with it as they see fit,” he said. “But I see the point, and I know there is some agreement to this.”
Lombard sees an effective ordinance initiated as just the first step in “threading the needle” but went on to add that there are other sources of help. He commented that HB and Son Enterprises in Greensboro is a scrap metal dealer that will pick up and purchase any old vehicles on properties. Other options include exploring volunteer assistance through local youth groups.
In other action:
Attorney Jay Dell – representing Lake Oconee Estates and Beach Club LLC on Veazy Connector – presented a rezoning request that was approved for a development that received earlier approval. Concerns have been stated about the wetlands draining into the lake.
An intergovernmental agreement for the provisions of animal control provided by the county for the city of Greensboro was approved. The city agrees to pay the county $25,000 per year for the use of the current facility.
Budget amendments were approved for the purchases of six special cameras for the sheriff’s office, additional voting booths, tax software, and additions to the jail renovation project.
An intergovernmental agreement with the state for radio system use was approved.