Hiding in Plain Sight

By Ronnie Thomas, The Decatur Daily, Ala.

Jun. 26–Location: 202 Lawrence Cove Road, Oden Ridge.

Description: Overgrown grass, weeds around building behind Oden Ridge Volunteer Fire Department.

Property owner: Wiley Kitchens, chairman of the Cullman County Commission, said he bought the building in 1999, where the previous owner sold hardware items. Kitchens converted the building into a restaurant and operated it for about two years. He said he sold the building to Walt Merriman on a lease-sale arrangement. He said Merriman uses the building for storage. Merriman could not be reached for comment. Kitchens said Merriman is responsible for keeping the property mowed. An Oden Ridge firefighter said he last mowed the property last year in preparation for Founder’s Day.

Ordinance: The Morgan County Commission has not passed self-governance that would let the commission abate nuisances such as overgrown weeds, litter and rubbish. Fifteen Alabama counties have self-governance, including Madison and Marshall.

Responsible officials: Property is in Morgan County Commissioner Kevin Murphy’s District 3. Murphy was unavailable for comment.

Let us know if you’re tired of seeing a dilapidated building, litter, a drainage problem or an eyesore in your neighborhood. In Decatur, contact Community Development’s weed, junk and litter hotline at 341-4963. You can also contact The Daily newsroom at 340-2433 or news@decaturdaily.com.

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Copyright (c) 2008, The Decatur Daily, Ala.

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