Camper Draws Concerns from Hamlet Zoning Board

The Hamlet Zoning Board discussed the removal of a camper from a lot at 218 Railroad Street last week. Board Member Brian Earnest was concerned that the camper was being used as a residence. “An officer stopped by there yesterday, and they said, ‘Three more weeks.’ which is ridiculous,” Earnest said. “They’re obviously living there.”

But beyond that, Street Superintendent Kevin Leinbach believed the residents had turned on water service to the camper without notifying the town.

Clerk-Treasurer Kristina Pitts said she wasn’t aware of any ordinance prohibiting residents from having campers on their property, but Board President Dave Kesvormas didn’t think it was compatible with the town’s zoning rules. “It says, ‘Single-family mobile homes are prohibited from all residential areas within the town limits of Hamlet. However, they are allowed in approved mobile home parks,'” Kesvormas said.

Earnest also said the person believed to have placed the camper there is not the owner of the property.

As of last Wednesday’s meeting, board members said they planned to file a police report over what they said is the theft of the town’s water service. They also planned to have police issue a removal order for the camper.