Hopkinsville code board continues Russellville Road camper hearing after property owner grants representation

The Hopkinsville City Code Ordinance Enforcement Board on Thursday continued a zoning hearing about a Russellville Road property where city inspectors say a camper and storage vehicles are being used in a B‑4 business zone.

Peter Wood, chief building inspector for Community Development Services, told the board staff believes the camper is being occupied and that storage‑yard activity is occurring in a zone where such use is restricted. He described a timeline of inspections and multiple citations issued over the past year.

At the hearing, bill of record Billy “Cowboy” Yee said he had brought items onto the lot and at times slept in a truck there. Yee told the board he had been told by local staff that he could store items on the property and said he felt harassed by enforcement actions. He asked for more time and legal assistance. "My dad's ashes are right here inside that camper," Yee said, describing a personal attachment to items on the property.

The board asked the property owner, Eugene Hoover, to confirm whether Yee could speak for him. Hoover came to the podium, was sworn and said he authorized Yee to represent him at the hearing. After that confirmation, a board member moved to continue the case to the next scheduled meeting to allow the respondent to seek counsel and collect additional information.

The board approved the continuance by voice vote. Chair Rodney Davis told the respondent staff would follow up and suggested the owner could provide written authorization if he wished to avoid appearing in person at the next hearing.

No formal abatement or fine was imposed at the meeting; the board left open the possibility of future action depending on what the respondent and owner produce for the next session.