FORSYTH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — After a year, the homeless encampment on Pfaff Lane in Forsyth County has been cleared of all the trash and junk that covered the two acres.
It’s been a lengthy process, as the county has been pushing for the property to be cleaned up.
“It was over 50 tons or 100,000 pounds of material that was removed, and it might have been twice that much,” Director of Forsyth County Environmental Assistance and Protection Minor Barnette said.
For more than a year, the property on Pfaff Lane was covered in trash, scooters, bikes and more. It covered over two acres of land, posing a threat to the community and environment nearby.
“I’m pleased to report that after just over a year, the property is now in compliance with the requirement of the … county code to protect the public health and safety of the community,” Barnette said.
Barnette said two brothers, Edwin Blankenship and Christopher Blankenship, were held responsible.
Barnette said it took a housing development popping up behind the property for it to be brought to their attention.
“It’s my understanding that the accumulation started over three years ago and had been ongoing for two years or more before anyone brought it to our attention,” Barnette said.
The county was first tipped off in July 2024. Since then, Barnette said it’s been an uphill battle.
“We proceeded to do site visits almost every week for over a year and observed progress sporadically,” Barnette said.
Barnette said Christopher and Edwin wouldn’t comply, so civil and criminal charges were filed against them.
Over time, county employees finally saw the progress needed.
“Most of the solid waste ended up in the Haynes Mill Road landfill. It was transported in roll-off waste containers. A lot of the scrap metal was taken to a scrap metal processing facility where it could be recycled,” Barnette said.
Barnette said Christopher was responsible for a majority of the cleanup. Since the area has been cleaned up, the county has dropped his charges.
Source: Fox 8 News Channel
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