Working4You: North Little Rock Man Seeks Resolution for ‘Messy Neighbor’ Concerns
Bobby Taylor, a long-time resident of Boyer Street in North Little Rock, has reached out to the Working4You hotline in desperation, seeking help in addressing persistent code violations at his neighbor’s property. He claims that Billy Brockman’s home is accumulating hazardous materials, including junk vehicles and scrap metal. This allegedly creates a dangerous environment for Taylor’s family and may spark another major incident.
Taylor’s concerns are deeply rooted. He has fond memories of raising his two sons at the same home, where he taught them important life skills like riding a bike and driving. However, the current situation has drained his patience, with Taylor feeling frustrated and helpless against the local code enforcement office. He believes their inaction emboldens his neighbor to continue posing a safety risk to the community.
The ongoing trouble began much earlier. Court records show that in 2019, Brockman was involved in a similar incident, where the City of North Little Rock demanded cleanup of his property following a house fire started by his use of a metal pail as a heat source. Brockman was previously labeled as having a hoarded property and was involved in code violations such as “scrapping,” “burning copper,” and improperly using his backyard. In 2020, he agreed to clean up and refrain from such activities. Despite this, the neighbor claims the situation has not improved.
The North Little Rock Code Enforcement has acknowledged the problem, stating that Brockman has made progress in clearing debris after a fire in June. Despite their efforts, the Code Enforcement granted him six months to complete the cleanup. However, this leniency has not alleviated Taylor’s fears about the potential for another incident, especially considering Brockman’s past.
Family safety remains at the forefront of Taylor’s concerns. “I just need some help on this, I can’t do it alone,” he pleaded, seeking swift action to address the mounting hazards. This continues to be a pressing issue, as North Little Rock continues to grapple with instances of neglected properties, illegal dumping, and property safety concerns.
The working relationship between the city and residents like Taylor has been put under a microscope. Questions persist about the timeliness and effectiveness of code enforcement actions in keeping communities safe and free from health hazards. It remains to be seen what the future holds for this troubled property and those living nearby.
