Local Radar

Paid for by the Joan Herlong for Probate Judge Committee

Guilty: Hamilton ordered to complete demolition by June 30

web posted March 18, 2006

EDGEFIELD – Alex Hamilton, owner of the Old Flour Mill in Johnston, had his day in court on Thursday. The Town of Johnston cited Mr. Hamilton for his non-compliance to a permit to demolish the old mill. Twice in the past year, Mr. Hamilton received extensions to the original permit, which ran for six months each. The old mill is still partially standing and a nuisance many detractors have said.

Judge Brenda Carpenter in Magistrate Court heard the trial and both sides of the case gave their testimony. In the end, Judge Carpenter found Mr. Hamilton guilty of the citation and he has been ordered to finish the demolition by June 30, 2006. If the  demolition is not completed by that date, Judge Carpenter said Mr. Hamilton would be fined $100 a day, up to a total of $1,500, or could face up to thirty days in jail.

Johnston Mayor Dean Campbell, who attended the trial, said he and the Town were, “pleased with the decision.” The Mayor also said the old mill has become, “a pubic safety issue with many residents,” and he agreed. When asked if the Town would take action to seize the property through condemnation if Mr. Hamilton did not adhere to the order Mayor Campbell said, “We are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel,” and now that Judge Carpenter has issued her order, “we (the Town) expect him to fulfill it.”

When pressed on the question Mayor Campbell said they would wait to see what transpired over the next few months regarding the matter and the Town would address the situation at that time. Mayor Campbell reiterated that it is too soon to offer any comment on behalf of the Town as to what direction they would take. Any action taken would be brought before the Town Council.

Attempts to reach Mr. Hamilton for his comments were not successful.

 

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