Special to Iredell Free News

After a recent homicide and a long history of disturbances, drug violations and countless calls to the Statesville Police Department about illegal activity, the property at 1134 5th Street is now destined to become a memorial park.

Superior Court Judge Richard L. Doughton signed a consent judgment for a Chapter 19 Nuisance Abatement action against Theodore Thomas Steele, the property owner of 1134 5th Street, on April 13.

This judgment was the final step in a civil nuisance abatement case brought by the City of Statesville on behalf of the State of North Carolina. Chapter 19 of the N.C. General Statutes defines “nuisance” activities and provides for a civil remedy to abate such criminal acts and their detrimental impacts on the community.

“This address has been a problem for years, constantly draining law enforcement resources and reducing the quality of life for members in this community,” said Statesville Police Chief David Addison. “This remedy is a result of an outstanding investigation between Statesville officials and members of the ALE Nuisance Abatement Team.”

The terms of the consent judgment relinquished the property to the City of Statesville and forged an agreement detailing the future intended use of the property, which includes a memorial park honoring family members.

The judgment ordered the property be vacated by May 1.

Addison expressed gratitude for the effort and outcome. “I appreciate the cooperation from the property owner as we worked to solve this problem, and I am confident this successful resolution will provide the peaceful environment this community deserves,” the chief explained.

The investigation was a joint effort between members of the SPD, the City of Statesville’s legal counsel and members of N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement’s Nuisance Abatement Team.