Neighbors want stop to Dudley Mansion business

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Loud music, crowded streets and even public urination. They’re not something you’d probably want in your neighborhood, but neighbors say the Dudley Mansion on Front Street is home to all these incidents. Now they want it to come to an end.

The City of Wilmington is seeking an injunction to stop the Dudley Mansion from operating as an entertainment venue. A judge decided today to continue the hearing until July 6, but neighbors say this kind of activity has gone on long enough.

Ron and Cynthia Pickett own the mansion at 400 South Front Street. The city wants to stop the Picketts from operating a business at their home in a residential area. Under zoning laws, the Picketts are not permitted to run a business for profit in the historic district of Downtown Wilmington.

Ron Pickett refused to speak with WWAY on camera today. Neighbors are not happy with the judge’s decision to continue the hearing. They say they’ve had enough with the weekend activity in their neighborhood.

“I somewhat resent it,” Mike Clinton said. “I feel like we pay our taxes, we have code enforcement, and we should use that to stop this and not have it continue until maybe the next time they postpone it again.”

Neighbors are preparing for more weddings and parties the next three weekends. They don’t want the Picketts to move. They just want them to stop running their business in the residential area.