washington county

Washington City Frustrated as Trash Pile Across From High School Sparks legal Battle

WASHINGTON – City officials in Washington are facing mounting frustration as a parking lot across from Washington High School has become overrun with trash, furniture, and tires. A legal hearing is scheduled for November 25th to determine if the city can compel the property owner to clean up the site.

The issue centers on a business, Hauling and That, which moved onto the property at 308 Jefferson Avenue this summer. Complaints quickly followed as the lot devolved into what officials describe as a junkyard.

“We’re doing everything we can legally do. We just can’t go on the property and start moving stuff,” said Washington Mayor JoJo Burgess. Burgess emphasized the city has not authorized the current state of the property,stating,”If we were letting him be there,he would have a permit that says,’OK,you can be there.’ He doesn’t have that.”

The city has issued ten citations to both the property owner and the business owner as August, citing violations related to nuisance vehicles and unapproved solid-waste collection, each carrying a daily fine. Mayor Burgess stated the owner has requested leniency, but the city is demanding full compliance with local regulations.

local business owners have also voiced concerns. Johnny Interval, owner of Barbiere, said, “It’s definitely not a good look. We take a lot of pride in our shop,and having that across the street is definitely not good…it’s right across the street from the school. It’s just a bad look for the city in general.”

city officials say the problem stems from the business operating without the necessary permits and zoning approvals, despite prior warnings. Safety concerns are also a priority.”I’d hate for a kid to go get into that mess and find something and get hurt,” Burgess said. “That’s why we issued the citations.That’s why we’re going in front of the magistrate.”

if the judge rules in favor of the city, fines could increase, and Washington could gain the authority to remove the debris itself.