Complaint points out mess

A Grand Coulee woman complained that her area was turning into a “ghetto,” and two men complained about loud music at last Tuesday night’s Grand Coulee City Council meeting.

Becky Billups, who lives on Burdin Boulevard, told council that the collection of old cars, boats, trailers and debris was making her residential area look like a “ghetto.”

The area’s new hospital, Coulee Medical Center, is but a half block away on the same street.

One man referred to the general area as being owned by “slum” landlords.

Ross Clune and Jerry Ratcliffe told the council that persons in one house in their area play loud “boom box-type” music until the early hours of the morning.

Ratcliffe stated, “We’re here to get along.”

He told the council that in former days they would just take care of it themselves, but they “are older now.” The two men live on “A” and “B” Streets near the canal.

A drive through the area on Burdin Boulevard where Billups lives shows numerous old vehicles, boats and trailers, and junk scattered about, sandwiched between the new hospital and a low-income housing project at the north end of the block.

Mayor Chris Christopherson, not missing the opportunity to take care of the complaints, put both parties in touch with the proper city staff members. Police Sgt. John Tufts gave Ratcliffe and Clune numbers that they can call the next time that loud music occurs.

Billups met with the council zoning committee, David Tylor and Tim Alling, to discuss her concerns.

“I’m waiting for the council committee to finish its investigation and report back before the city can determine what to do about Billups’ complaint,” Christoperson said.

The mayor said the city’s nuisance ordinance might apply, and he will look into it after the report by the two council members comes in.