Aug. 1 - 7, 2014
bringing the local news home to northwest Guilford County since 1996
www.nwobserver.com
Trash, possible contamination concern neighbors by KRISTIN KUBLY
OAK RIDGE – Driving east on Oak Ridge Road toward Summerfield, you will pass historic buildings, horse pastures and picturesque neighborhoods – all part of the Oak Ridge scenic corridor. You’ll pass one property, however, that doesn’t quite fit the rural charm of the area.
Photo by Kristin Kubly
Trash and waste remain at the site of the former Big Boyz Toyz and B&B Welding on Old Oak Ridge Road.
The property is the former home of Big Boyz Toyz and B&B Welding, which are adjacent to each other on the south side of Oak Ridge Road, just east of Misty Hollow Lane.
“We’re concerned about the potential burial of substances that probably shouldn’t have been buried,” said Mayor Ray Combs. “We don’t have any idea what’s under there officially. We suspect there’s some stuff there because of what we’ve been hearing from the neighbors.”
The site is hard to miss. Trash, old tires, oil waste containers, a dilapidated mobile home and other debris are scattered among the two worn-out commercial buildings.
Town council member Spencer Sullivan, who owns property adjacent to the Bowman site, said another worry is leakage from old fuel tanks.
Firefighter of the Year by PATTI STOKES
...continued on p. 18
“I think any time you have an old service station site, you’ve obviously got the potential for some problems,” Sullivan said. “Because that is what was there before Big Boyz Toyz. There was an old service station there.” While the town has allocated funds for dealing with possible contamination, Combs said he hopes the money does not have to be used. “We didn’t want to get caught off guard if for some reason the town had to step up and do some kind of emergency cleanup,” said Combs. “But of course, we hope we never have to spend it and we can put that money back into the general fund. It was more of a precautionary thing.”
...continued on p. 10
IN THIS ISSUE
A high honor for Jenna Daniels, and for Summerfield Fire Department SUMMERFIELD – Jenna Daniels, 28, is not only the first firefighter from Summerfield Fire Department to receive the North Carolina State Firemen’s Association’s Firefighter of the
Neighbors say the site is not only an eyesore, but it may present health-related issues. The Oak Ridge Town Council apparently shares those concerns, as it voted last month to set aside $20,000 in this year’s budget – if needed – for cleanup of contamination at the site.
Photo courtesy of Summerfield Fire Department
Fire Chief Chris Johnson, left, with Jenna Daniels, N.C. State Firemen Association’s Firefighter of the Year.
News in brief................................3 Your Questions............................4 Pets & Critters ..............................7 Pet Adoptions .............................7 Small package, lots of joy ........8 Business Notes........................... 14 Bits & Pieces .............................. 14 Community Calendar ............ 15 Crime/Incident Report ........... 16 Letters/Opinions ...................... 16 Grins & Gripes ........................... 17 Classifieds .................................. 19 Index of Advertisers .................23
Summerfield firefighter Matt Young is steadily improving after a July 4 accident. See page 3.