Bridgeport scrap yard shut down

Bridgeport, Conn. (WTNH) - Some Bridgeport neighbors are applauding a judge's order to shut down a local scrap yard.

Officials say Lajoie's Auto and Scrap Recycling on Eagle Street exceeded height restrictions on their scrap piles, and a judge agreed, but the owner of the company is considering taking the city to court.

East End residents say they were fed up with the sound, smell and sight of the junk yard which has towered over the neighborhood for about 2 years.

"I have kids walking to school every day. Things flying, ok it's not kosher," said Jeane Dixon. "There are people who walk these streets, drive by here everyday and stuff flying around is not good."

They took the matter to court where a judge ordered LaJoie's to close its scrap yard on Eagle Street saying it violated the city's zoning laws.

The scrap metal piles are only supposed to go as high as the property's 6-foot stockade fence, but the piles go up much higher.

News 8 tried to talk to someone at LaJoie's but were told to leave the property and that the business' owner, Jim Murphy, was not available for comment. Neighbors say it's not just their view, but their entire neighborhood that will be improved as the piles are removed.

"There would be stuff on the ground like TVs falling over, so it's dangerous and not healthy for the community," Dixon said.

Neighbors say at it's worst, a pile of scrap metal was as high as the top of a nearby house.