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Resident says overgrown grass at McEwen Funeral Home construction impedes sidewalks and seeks town action
Summary
Michael Vance told the board overgrown vegetation at a McEwen Funeral Home construction site has reached more than two feet, is brushing pedestrians on the sidewalk, and that the town, contractor and corporate office have not resolved the issue; he said the town enforcement officer told him right‑of‑way authority did not apply, which he disputes.
Michael Vance, a resident who identified his address as 7325 McWhorter Road, spoke during public comment on July 9 about vegetation and maintenance at the McEwen Funeral Home construction site near Fairview and McWhorter roads.
"The grass and vegetation along the front and the side of this project has grown to well over 2 feet in height... In some areas, using the public sidewalk, the grass is brushing against your knees when you walk," Vance said, asking the board to address his concerns after reporting the condition to the town code enforcement officer and to the contractor.
Vance said he contacted the town enforcement officer, Maggi, and was told the town could not address the right‑of‑way; he said he believes that statement is legally incorrect under North Carolina general statute. He also said he spoke twice with the construction foreman, who agreed the grass needed cutting but that the issue remained unresolved, and that staff at McEwen Funeral Home said they had no control over the project.
No town official response to Vance's allegation appears in the transcript. Vance told the board he would email additional details to staff.
Why it matters: Overgrown vegetation that blocks sidewalks raises safety and accessibility concerns for pedestrians. The comment asks the commission to clarify enforcement authority over right‑of‑way vegetation and to press contractors or property owners to maintain frontage.
