Lawsuit Seeks Permanent Injunction Against Unlawful Junkyard

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The City of New Castle filed a lawsuit in the Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas against a Croton area junkyard business, which it claims to be operating unlawfully in violation of the city’s zoning ordinance.

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The lawsuit claimed that Lou Thomas Auto at 306 N. Ray St., New Castle was initially served an enforcement notice, citing illegal operations at the site, in September 2020. The notice had ordered the junkyard to cease operations and remove all the leftover scrap metal and abandoned motor vehicles.

However, the company failed to appeal the notice, which led to filing of numerous criminal citations against the operations. The owner was found guilty of the citations and was ordered to pay fines. Unfortunately, Thomas failed to comply with the notice.

The lawsuit noted that Thomas has not made any application to the City Council for using the premises as a junkyard. It has been causing threats to public health, welfare and safety to the immediate surrounding neighborhood and neighbors.

The lawsuit seeks to issue a permanent injunction against Thomas to cease operation of the unlawful junkyard and remove all scrap and materials from outside the business within two months. If the business fails to comply, the authorities must take action to remove and dispose of the materials, with costs charged to the company.