Leland bans open land clearing burns after outcry from residents

LELAND, NC (WWAY-TV) – Hundreds of residents poured into the Leland Cultural Center Monday night. For years, many of them have hoped to see the town stop developers from land clearing burns.

David Frankel, founder of the Brunswick Forest Residents Civic Association pushed forward the ordinance that banned open burns.

“It’s a great first step Leland should be very proud of itself to take this step,” Frankel said.

The ban comes after a weekend of smoke and flames rising up across from Brunswick Forest, where a new shopping center is being developed.

The open burn is among many that have residents like Marilyn O’Brien worried for their health

“I’m a lung cancer survivor and the smoke makes it almost impossible to breath,” O’Brien said.

The town council voted unanimously to enact the ban taking effect immediately. Failure to comply with the ban will result in a Class 3 misdemeanor and a fine of $500 per day, but some residents don’t think the fine is enough.

“This isn’t right and a $500 ordinance, big whoop,” O’Brien said. “These corporations have so much money they don’t care.”

The $500 fine is the maximum amount the town has the authority to impose, according to the town. Council member Veronica Carter hopes residents continue to speak up for the ban.
“We need that input from our residents, we need an input from our neighbors, our regional neighbors, we need that from the county,” Carter said. “We need that from everyone in this area because in order for this to be truly effective, I mean let’s face it winds shift.”

Prior to the ban, Branch Properties, the developer of the new Leland Village shopping complex told WWAY in a statement:
“We’ve heard the community’s concerns regarding the clearing work at our project site in Leland. Our contractors have always followed local laws and permitting requirements, including those related to site preparation and debris management.

 That said, we recognize the impact this activity has had on nearby residents and have made the decision to discontinue open burning on our sites in the area moving forward. We appreciate the community bringing this to our attention and remain committed to being responsible and responsive neighbors as we continue our work in Leland.”