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Hickory resident tells council stormwater, noise and safety issues are driving her to move
Summary
Resident Janice Godwin told the Hickory City Council that an open culvert behind a nearby commercial property flooded her yard during heavy rain, an overflowing dumpster and a nearby encampment created safety and sanitation problems, and late-night noise from a new Tommy's car wash has made her consider leaving; councilmembers offered police and staff follow-up and a post-meeting meeting.
Janice Godwin, a resident of 50 22nd Avenue Northwest, told the Hickory City Council on March 17 that chronic drainage and nuisance problems behind nearby commercial properties have made her life “unlivable” and prompted her to plan a move from the city.
Godwin said an open culvert behind the Colinade building and the former ABC store sends stormwater onto her property during heavy rains, causing what she described as “the Mississippi River running through my yard.” She told councilmembers an overflowing dumpster has repeatedly dumped trash into her backyard and that a man living under a tarp behind the former ABC store threatened to “follow you home and find out where you live,” which she said the police did not treat as a criminal threat.
“The dispatcher could hear me,” Godwin said, “and he told me he’s going to follow you home and find out where you live.” She said officers told her to go home, shut her blinds and lock her doors.
Godwin also told the council that property owner Mr. Phillips at the Murphy’s Oil site removed trees behind her home and has not installed screening; she said Mr. Phillips indicated he will install screening only after securing an anchor tenant. She raised noise concerns about a newly opened Tommy’s car wash, saying the drying equipment is loud enough that she cannot sit on her porch until after 9:30 p.m.
Councilmembers allowed Godwin extra time to finish her remarks. Afterward a councilmember asked the Hickory Police Department chief and staff members Brian Frasier and Steve Miller to meet with Godwin in a conference room to discuss her complaints and follow up after the meeting.
The council did not take any formal action during the public-comment period; the offer of a post-meeting meeting and the pledge of staff follow-up were the only recorded next steps.
Godwin said the cumulative effect of the issues will likely reduce the resale value of her home and has prompted her to relocate. Council members who spoke publicly at the meeting urged staff to meet with her after the session.
