Sandy Level Moves Forward

HENRY COUNTY BUILDS AMID DRUG CRACKDOWN

Life in Sandy Level continues, the good and the bad, but not as much bad.

Six years ago, the rural Henry County community drew nationwide attention
when U.S. News & World Report wrote about its drug market, violent dealers
and terrorized residents.

The spotlight boosted efforts to clean up the area. Police raids resulted
in the arrest of some of the drug dealers and ended the blatant street sale
of drugs. The county built a water line and began a program to either
repair or demolish dilapidated buildings.

"Just like any other community there are still problems, but it's just so
much better even than a year ago," said the Rev. Green Moore, who founded
the Concerned Citizens of Sandy Level, a community group that prodded the
county's involvement.

"Everything is much better. We're not home free. I would love to see that
community or any community free of drugs . . . but that's hard to do."

The community's woes were laid out in the article "Crack invades a small
town" in the April 22, 1996, edition of the newsmagazine.

Sandy Level is a community of about 150 homes and 260 residents in the
southeastern part of Henry County, just above the North Carolina line and a
20-minute drive from the sheriff's department office.

The article described how residents no longer would sit on their front
porches and how dealers intimidated residents who opposed them, with no
fear of authorities.

Shortly after the article appeared, a raid resulted in the arrest of 11
people. All were convicted. Other arrests followed.

At the time, authorities argued that Sandy Level was neither a haven for
dealers nor were officers helpless, but they had to remain quiet amid an
investigation.

However, Sandy Level, with its remote location and proximity to the state
line, continues to be attractive to the drug trade, said Capt. K.G. Nester
of the Henry County Sheriff's Department.

"It's getting better, but it's an area where you can't leave it," Nester said.

While remaining vigilant to the drug problem, Sandy Level can now focus on
moving forward.

In 2000, a $1.3 million water line was completed to provide water for 139
Sandy Level homes. About $1.34 million in county and grant funds has been
budgeted for housing rehabilitation.

Thirty homes have been rehabilitated or reconstructed and about 11
buildings demolished, said Deborah J. Hill, a county planner. Eventually,
70 homes will be renovated

"The spirit of the community continues to improve," Hill said. "The drug
arrests have made a difference.

"But there's always someone out there to take their place, but not quite as
bad," she said. "You don't hear about violence in the community as much as
there has been in the past, although everyone knows the drug activity is
still present."