7 yrs ago Chatham Co. NC opened a 1 acre park on the river in our neighborhood. Rules with no laws for back up. This park is wooded with a path to the river, that's it. It is sandwiched between 2 private properties. Our properties are heavily posted, it does nothing. Problems with trespassing, drinking, drugs, noise, dogs running free, no parking available except in the roads (state roads). Access to driveways are often blocked. I have gone to county commissioners and have gotten no where. How do we pursue this further? Many, Many , Thanks
Thank you for your question. This kind of problem is likely to become commonplace in Chatham County, given the heavy development that is transforming that community as we speak. If the county commissioners have not answered your queries, you may want to write a "citizen's letter" to the Chair of the Board, copying the county manager and county attorney. That will likely occasion a response from one of them, likely the county attorney.
While I am not at all familiar with the transaction in which the county gained title to the park land, I can tell you that counties are able to acquire such property by gift, devise, or purchase, or through eminent domain, since a public park constitutes a "public purpose" for which eminent domain can be exercised, at any level of government. You mention that there is no rule or ordinance that says the county can establish a park in such an area; this is probably less significant than there not being an ordinance that says they cannot do so.
As to the noise, nuisances, and possible criminal activity, the county has the power to establish rules and regulations for the park, which can be vigorously enforced by the sheriff's office. If the county has not posted rules and regulations accordingly, you might wish to appear at your next Board meeting, which is public, and ask to speak during the citizen comment part of the meeting. This, and communications with the county manager and county attorney, will likely move the dialogue in a productive direction.
If you have further questions, hire a North Carolina real property attorney to research and investigate, and devise a plan by which to ensure that your concerns are taken seriously by your local government. All the best to you and your neighbors in beautiful Chatham County.
