Residents of House Rock Road in Curry County voiced serious concerns during a recent government meeting regarding what they describe as a public nuisance affecting their community. The issues raised include illegal toxic burning, human waste disposal, rodent infestations, hazardous debris, and potential illegal drug activity, all of which pose significant health and safety risks.

Don Stasinka, a representative for the concerned neighbors, highlighted that the situation has persisted since February, with residents exhausting efforts to seek assistance from various agencies, including the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the County Sheriff, and local code enforcement. Stasinka emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that the community is situated in a wooded area, raising fears of fire hazards during the summer months.

The residents presented evidence of the ongoing problems, including a timeline of events and documentation of their attempts to address the issues. Stasinka pointed out that despite multiple citations issued for misdemeanors, the situation remains unresolved, leaving residents feeling frustrated and helpless.

Barbara Western, another resident, shared her personal experience with rodent infestations linked to the neighboring property, detailing the costs incurred for pest control and the ongoing threat to her home. She expressed concern over potential contamination of water sources due to improper waste disposal practices observed in the area.

The meeting allowed residents to formally present their grievances to the Board of Commissioners, who have the authority to determine if the situation qualifies as a public nuisance under county code. If deemed appropriate, a show cause hearing could be scheduled, compelling the property owner to address the issues raised.

The Board acknowledged the residents' concerns and indicated a willingness to review the evidence presented. The outcome of this meeting could lead to significant actions aimed at resolving the ongoing public health and safety issues affecting the House Rock Road community.