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Long time coming

Denver Blaylock has been prodded by enforcers for seven years to meet Haywood County’s junkyard ordinance. The sprawling complex houses numerous lots piled high with used vehicles, appliances, parts cars, and just plain parts, as well as storage lots for cars hauled in by Blaylock’s family wrecker business.

The junkyard run-around has spanned four junkyard enforcement deputies, two county attorneys and four boards of commissioners — all who alternately commended Blaylock for small efforts along the way and chastised him for ignoring their numerous deadlines.

Here’s a selection from the log books and records kept by junkyard enforcers who have written letters, placed phone calls and made trips to Blaylock’s compound over the years.

March 19, 1998

“During site visit explained he would need to fence the area adjacent to his house. Adivsed him to move all vehicles into fenced area. He agreed to complete and return form by May 1, 1998.”

Oct. 25, 1999

“As you know, you have received several letters as well as personal visits from the Haywood County planning department but still have neglected to come into complete compliance with the ordinance. There has been no attempt by you to screen or even file a site plan...If your property is not brought into compliance within 10 days of the date of this letter, appropriate legal action will be instituted.”

July 11, 2000

“To date you have failed to comply with the ordinance by submitting a site plan, fencing and screening, and obtaining a permit. Unless you start the process of coming into compliance within 10 days of receipt of this letter, this matter is being forwarded to the county attorney.”

Dec. 7, 2000

“You have been notified previously by the Haywood County Planning Officer that your facility is in violation of this ordinance. Please contact me at the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office within 10 days to help us resolve this matter.”

Jan. 3, 2001

“Spoke to Mr. Blaylock and gave him copy of the junkyard ordinance. Will go to mapping office and get map and do site plan next week.”

June 22, 2001

Criminal charges brought against Blaylock for failure to comply with ordinance.

July 13, 2001

“Still vehicles on side of road. Still needs to fence.”

August 8, 2001

“Told him he needed to have fence and screening in place by Sept. 12.”

April 1, 2002

“Observed first sign of any work being done. Mr. Blaylock appeared to be in the process of moving vehicles from upper location to main junkyard. No significant change around gate at main entrance.”

April 24, 2002

“Mr. Blaylock’s property is showing some improvement. He has actually moved 10 to 15 vehicles within the last few days. Mr. Blaylock intended to build a fence on upper section of property.”

May 8, 2002

“Fence has been put up on upper portion of property. All of junked vehicles in front of rental house adjacent to junkyard have been moved. If subject would now screen fences and clean up remainder around gate, site would be in compliance.”

May 22, 2002

“Advised Mr. Blaylock about obtaining plants for screening through the North Carolina Forest Service.”

Oct. 23, 2002

“He advised me he was working on getting everything into the fenced area of the property. Had forklift on site moving and cleaning up the roadside.”

April 24, 2003

“Mr. Blaylock was given 30 days to come into compliance with county ordinance.”

May 21, 2003

“Called county attorney and was told to hold off on any action to see if Denver continued to work.”

July 22, 2003

“Went to Denver’s to talk to him. Advised him to keep working and to please speed it up.”

Jan. 5, 2004

Blaylock agrees to court order giving him 45 days to come into compliance with ordinance or else county can shut down the junkyard and levy daily fines.

March 10, 2004

“Went by Denver’s. Still not in compliance.”

May 5, 2005

“The commissioners have been patient and are wanting to work with you to get your property in full compliance. However, if you fail again to meet your deadlines and obligations, the commissioners will take action as allowed by the January 2004 court order.”

August 2, 2005

“As a final effort to get this matter resolved...the commissioners have allowed you until Aug. 31...They will not agree to any further extensions.”

Oct. 11, 2005

Haywood County Superior Court orders the junkyard shut down and gives county authority to hire workers to bring the junkyard into compliance and charge the bill to Blaylock, with permission to auction Blaylock’s property if he fails to pay the bill.

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