MORGANTON, N.C. — A homeless camp in a Morganton backyard must clear out or face serious fines after neighbors complained to city leaders about the growing encampment.
According to a city ordinance, the property east of the downtown area doesn’t have enough land to support the camp for people experiencing homelessness.
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The property owner said he’s prepared to fight this out in court and has no plan to force the people off his land.
Channel 9′s Dave Faherty found Joe Bateman in his yard this morning. With a tiller in hand, Bateman said he plans to grow crops for the homeless.
His backyard is scattered with tents. Folks are living behind Bateman’s home and have been for more than a month. Bateman even brought in portable toilets.
However, the city of Morganton isn’t having it. Officials sent a notice of violation of two ordinances to Bateman, including one that prohibits camping.
After receiving the notice, Bateman said he took action of his own and hand-delivered a cease-and-desist order to the city.
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“I encourage the city to proceed, but proceed with caution,” Bateman said. “Understand the rule of law, because that is where this is going.”
Neighbors near Bateman’s property say he doesn’t have the infrastructure to support the homeless camp.
“He’s not equipped for it. He doesn’t have the training for it. He doesn’t have the facilities for it,” said Judi Ford, who lives in the same area. “I think at this point, he has been told he can’t do it and so now he’s just trying to prove a point.”
Under the city ordinance, Bateman faces fines ranging from $50 to $200 per day.
“It’s a good thought but this is not the spot to do it,” neighbor Briana Dayas said. “We are in a residential neighborhood, and we have a lot of vehicles coming in and out now.”
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