MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Code enforcement cracked down on at least a dozen illegally parked RVs at the Raleigh Springs Mall.
Even though the trailers violated Memphis and Shelby County laws, it was of no concern to the mall, which profited from the illegal parking. That mall was given a warning today. The trailers have been there since early May to set up for a carnival that wrapped up May 20.
“We've got free dental care, free dental exams and stuff in there and you want to advertise some crazy stuff and not care about the community, I want you to go,” said Juanita Jones, the mall's manager.
Tony Lowery brought in the trailers. He heads up the Lowery Carnival Company based in Louisiana.
"I'm talking to who I need to talk to and it's not you," Lowery told abc24.com, then calling Jones, who said, “I need you both to get off the property."
Jones says she gave the group permission to park the trailers in the mall's parking lot, even though its carnival ended two weeks ago.
“Anytime someone has a business agreement that's one thing, but whether or not that business agreement coincides with existing code or law is totally different,” said Shelby County Spokesman Steve Shular.
And in this case, it doesn't.
“What you're looking at is a code violation,” Shular said.
Marsaa Hunter said the group was causing “major sewage, major sewage problem.”
Hunter is one of many Raleigh residents who complained about the trailers and the impact they had on the neighborhood.
“Austin Peay Raleigh area, we're here to promote business, not trash. This is not a trailer park,” Hunter said.
After our cameras starting rolling, a code enforcement officer pulled in demanding answers. Now, trailers are rolling out.
