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Residents press Jefferson County to enforce nuisance rules at Hickory Drive property
Summary
Neighbors described years of trash, sewage runoff, suspected drug trafficking and threats tied to a property at 9085 Hickory Drive and urged the council to enforce the county's nuisance ordinance; residents said multiple agencies had been notified but that problems persist.
Dozens of Jefferson County residents told the council they feel unsafe and want county enforcement at 9085 Hickory Drive, a property they described as a persistent public‑health and safety problem.
Residents said the house at 9085 Hickory Drive has accumulated trash, derelict vehicles, exposed wiring, septic leakage into a creek used by children and frequent foot traffic consistent with suspected drug activity. "I fear for my life every day," Eric Gore said, describing threats and confrontations and saying he carries a pistol when he mows his lawn. Neighbors also said police and county code enforcement have been notified repeatedly but that conditions have not improved.
Speakers asked for specific enforcement actions: inspections, code‑violation citations, fines, abatement orders, and coordination with the Department of Natural Resources and family services where appropriate. Several residents asked the council to use the county's nuisance ordinance (section 200.03, as cited during testimony) to compel cleanup or remediation.
County officials acknowledged the complaints and noted existing ordinance language but did not announce an immediate enforcement action during the meeting. The council later approved a series of routine consent items and adopted resolutions including appointments to the Jefferson County Public Sewer District board, which county staff and the sewer district director said have experience with past sewer improvement areas and could inform responses to septic and wastewater problems.
The council did not take an immediate formal enforcement vote at this meeting; residents said they expect follow‑up from county staff and law enforcement.
