For Release: Immediate  Date: November 06, 2002

Contact: Patty McQuillan CCPS Public Affairs Officer (919) 733-5027 (ext. 232)

FAYETTEVILLE -- A consent judgement was filed against the owner of Evans Corner today, following a long history of drug violations, fights, shootings and assaults at two nightclubs located on the property.

Superior Court Judge James F. Ammons, Jr. issued the consent judgment, the latest step in a civil nuisance abatement case brought by the City of Fayetteville on behalf of the State of North Carolina.

James L. Evans owns the property which currently houses two ABC licensed establishments known as Old School Lounge and Parker Lounge. The Fayetteville Police Department has responded to numerous calls at Evans Corner, located at 602 Council Street and 1401 Murchison Road, near Fayetteville State University.

“This property has been a continuous problem in the community,” said Police Chief Thomas McCarthy. “The city and Mr. Evans, in being responsive to neighborhood concerns and complaints, have tried to solve this problem. Today's settlement will stop the problems at this location for good.”

Under the terms of the judgment, the businesses operating on the property will remain open until the expiration of leases signed between the operators and Mr. Evans. However, Mr. Evans is bound by the judgment to immediately terminate the lease of either business where a violation of the law occurs. Additionally, no person can engage in nuisance- related criminal activities upon the property, regardless of who owns it. Mr. Evans also agreed pay costs incurred for the prosecution of this lawsuit. Those costs exceed $2,500.

"Today's judgment is in the best interest of the general public," said police attorney Amanda Little, of the Fayetteville Police Department. "The judgement shows how a community can work together to solve problems. I would like to thank the citizens of this neighborhood, members of the Fayetteville Police Department, the City Attorney's Office, and the N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement Division for their help."

Information for the lawsuit was coordinated by a member of Alcohol Law Enforcement's (ALE) Nuisance Abatement Team at the request of the Fayetteville Police Department.

The secretary of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Bryan E. Beatty, commended the City of Fayetteville for taking action on the nuisance property. “Communities deserve safe neighborhoods and solutions to problems at properties which are alleged to be havens for criminal activity,” Beatty said. “ALE’s Nuisance Abatement Team has done a good job helping gather the necessary information to close down nuisance establishments such as the one in Fayetteville.”

Since its inception in 1994, ALE's Nuisance Abatement Team has assisted local communities in addressing nuisances at 504 properties across the state. The five-member team is currently investigating about 25 locations across North Carolina.

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