Residents challenge Noble Metals for operating illegal junkyard in neighborhood

Concerns over Noble Metals' operations have reached a boiling point in Oak Ridge, as residents express frustration over what they describe as an illegal junkyard operating in their neighborhood. During the June 9 City Council meeting, community members voiced their grievances, highlighting ongoing issues with noise and zoning violations that have persisted for years.

Residents have been working with city officials for over a year, but they feel their concerns have fallen on deaf ears. "Noble Metals is not meeting the zoning requirement," one resident stated, emphasizing that the company was supposed to operate within specific guidelines but has instead created a disruptive environment. The company was granted an exception to operate under IND 1 zoning, which prohibits junkyard activities, yet residents claim that the reality is far from compliance.

City officials acknowledged the situation, with suggestions to address the issue in a future work session. However, residents remain skeptical, pointing out that previous actions taken by Noble Metals, such as promises to limit noise and install buffers, have not resolved the core problem. "They are operating a junkyard right behind our neighborhood," one resident asserted, underscoring the urgency of the matter.

The discussion also touched on the definition of a junkyard, with council members seeking clarity on the criteria that determine compliance. As residents continue to submit complaints—reportedly numbering around 50 to 60—many feel that their voices are not being heard, with complaints often marked as duplicates and closed without action.

The council's commitment to revisit the issue in a work session offers a glimmer of hope for residents, but the path forward remains uncertain. As the community awaits further updates, the call for accountability and adherence to zoning laws grows louder, signaling a critical moment for both the city and Noble Metals.