Commissioners direct code enforcement and police to address tractor-trailer parking at Hope Mills golf course

Commissioners at the April 6 Hope Mills meeting flagged a growing safety and ordinance problem: a fleet of tractor-trailer vehicles parking in and near the town-owned golf course lots.

Commissioner Mitchell described seeing four tractor-trailers and four trailers parked in the lot and said the situation may pose danger to families and children who use the course. "There must be something that we can do because I know it's prohibited in town to stop the parking of these trucks," the commissioner said, and asked staff to investigate.

A staff speaker addressed at several points as "Chancellor" told the board enforcement would be "twofold," involving the police department and code enforcement, and said staff would contact the property owner (referred to in the transcript as Mr. George) first thing the next morning. The staff speaker also noted the region lacks a full-service truck stop nearby and said town staff have worked with local commercial parking operators in the past to add capacity for commercial vehicles.

Commissioners discussed signage and recalled a gate that had previously blocked access to a lower lot; they agreed to pursue code enforcement and police engagement and to reach out to the property owner.

What happened next: the board gave no formal ordinance change or vote at this meeting; instead, staff were directed to investigate and to engage code enforcement and the police department.