For approximately 2 years already, the town has "temporarily" placed a trash dumpster behind Brunswick Ave with neither prior notice nor ongoing communication with adjacent property owners. This has now become a nuisance and full-blown dump site within 30 to 40 yards of several property lines, and with currently no camouflage or buffer for affected property owners. The town manager has stated individually to multiple property owners since 2019, and continues to presently maintain, that this situation is temporary. However, the time has come to formally raise urgency on this issue as the town manager has failed to provide any formal timeline for either relocation back to the original location or seriously look at another suitable alternative.

The dump is being used, among other things, to empty every individual beach trash can on the beach access up down the strand at the end of each day. It's being accessed by trucks (often multiple times per day) and also loud heavy equipment at all times of day and night, especially early AM when the dumpster gets emptied with a large (and loud) truck. Also, for weeks/months on end the town will park heavy equipment there (a large backhoe) and is currently using the area to even dump or store tires. The area smells and is attracting rodents and pests which has become a viable public safety concern as a bobcat is now permanently living in immediate area, also coyotes and aggressive raccoons have been sighted more frequently. Additionally, the dumpster is being used by some private citizens who are opportunistically utilizing the dumpster for their own garbage. Finally, the area is also attracting others there to shoot off fireworks right behind our properties which is dangerous (especially during hot dry periods) and violating local ordinances.

This is unacceptable. Up until now we as property owners have been very patient with the town during this period, especially given Covid-19 considerations and all the difficult related issues Holden Beach has had to deal with over the past year.

While we understand that this is not necessarily a simple issue to fix, the time has come for expedited action on this situation. Temporary does not last for 2 years or more. We collectively ask for the following:

1. The Town Manager and Public Works Dept. to prioritize this problem and provide a reasonable timeline ASAP for relocation of this temporary trash dump
2. If the Town Manager is either unable or unwilling to offer a reasonable solution and especially a timeline, we are requesting consideration by the town at earliest possible time to prioritize this important item in the agenda for expedited action by Holden Beach Board of Commissioners

Instead of simply demanding action, one suggestion (especially since this is supposed to be a temporary situation) is to place the dumpster across the street from Town Hall in what used to be the Recycling Center. Although certainly not a long-term solution, this spot has a history of similar use, is convenient and accessible, and offers the ability to camouflage (as the Recycling Center was previously hidden). This area also does not directly affect property owners immediately adjacent as does the current temporary solution. We'd welcome discussion on more creative solutions and any alternatives that are already being considered by the town to alleviate this nuisance situation.

Sincerely,

The property owners and residents of Brunswick Ave West and adjacent neighborhood, in addition to other concerned citizens of the Holden Beach community.