Developer says grave sites outside work area for new neighborhood

ONSLOW COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A developer says his work to build a neighborhood in Holly Ridge is not destroying an old graveyard.

We told you Friday about concerns from residents near The Preserve under construction in Onslow County that work was destroying grave sites.

The developer told WWAY today that when he had the land originally surveyed and platted, the graves were left in a separate area and have not been impacted by the work. He acknowledged graves are protected under state law, and that he has made sure not to disturb them.

The Onslow County Sheriff’s Office says it received a complaint two weeks ago about the issue that is still under investigation.

The Office of the State Archeologist told WWAY Friday it had no record of there being graves in the area, but would look into it. The office could not provide an update today.