(4/16) Carroll Valley Borough staff, and other agencies, are looking into alleged unauthorized clearing of land which is not owned by the individual reportedly involved in the land-disturbance incident.
Stacey Whitmore, Blue Ridge Trail, reported to the borough Council at their April 13 meeting that she had observed the questionable activity taking place at 3 Willow Trail, a short roadway which takes access off Blue Ridge Trail,
She stated, "They cut several trees on the other side of Willow Trail … (and) pushed dirt and debris into the stream (a tributary of Toms Creek)," adding, "I’m just very concerned. I do think it is important that whoever has done the work – that they do something to fix the damage that they have done."
Council President Richard Mathews said, "We’re aware of the problem. County is aware of the problem. We are aware of what’s going on."
The Willow Trail tract in question is being held in the county repository. The repository is comprised of lands that have been seized for non-payment of taxes but have failed to sell during the county’s delinquent tax auctions. The owner of the land involved in this case in an absentee owner, while the individual accused of unauthorized clearing of the site - has only placed a bid with the county to acquire the land – but the county has not yet awarded ownership.
Town Manager David Hazlett told the News-Journal that "the person suspected of violating several laws ‘thinks’ they have purchased the lot out of the repository, but that sale hasn’t been finalized."
Hazlett told the borough Council that the county Conservation District has also been investigating that which has been transpiring at the site, but that the accused "has not been responsive to the county." The Conservation District has the authority to act as an "agent" of the state Department of Environmental Protection regarding environmental issues.
"There are options (in dealing with the issues associated with the property in-question)," Hazlett stated, adding, "He has clearly violated our code in several places. We’re dealing with kind of a several-headed monster there in terms of issues that we need to pursue (along with) different agencies pursuing them as well."
Solicitor Zachary Rice stated that the county has sought input from the municipality regarding the sale of properties within the borough, one of which is 3 Willow Trail. The lawyer stated the borough could therefore question or challenge the sale of the particular lot in question.
Neither the actual owner of 3 Willow Trail, nor the accused offender, were identified during the meeting.
