'An exercise in futility'

Optimism tapered by skepticism in Longview Tracts meeting

MOSES LAKE — City authorities believe there is reason to be optimistic about the future of Longview Tracts.

Residents of Longview Tracts, a neighborhood east of Moses Lake, say they are tired of being told there is reason to be optimistic.

"It's been 10 years," resident Joe Torres said.

Nevertheless, the city will try again.

Gilbert Alvarado, community development director, said the city will present an application for a $1 million Community Development Block Grant with the intent of aiming it at funding the proposed Longview Tracts sewer project.

This in itself may present a hurdle for the application's chances, as it will compete with projects seeking funding for entire communities, as opposed to a neighborhood like Longview Tracts.

"We aren't a community, we aren't a priority and we are not a health hazard," Longview Tracts resident Marietta Miller asked. "What chance do we have?"

"I honestly could not tell you," Alvarado replied.

Furthermore, the price tag for the project is $1.6 million. The city will fork out the remaining $600,000.

Financial demands notwithstanding, the city will plow forward with the application, seeking to take a step forward in a sometimes contentious relationship between the city authorities and the neighbors since the city annexed Longview Tracts in 1995.

Flashes of that hostility came up during Thrusday night's meeting, with tempers flaring, and the prospect of taking a shot at a million dollars dampened by long-existing problems and the possibility that if the sewer lines are ever built, it may mean a long wait peppered by discomforting changes to residents' property.

Kitty Willmorth, a resident of Moses Lake since 1951, decried the possibility that the city may try to install the sewer line after money had been spent by her family on a variety of repairs and improvements to her place.

"You have to tear all that stuff to get to the sewer line," she said. "It's not right."

Miller said that the digging may affect the stability of her home's construction.

"If you dig under there, it's bye-bye (to) my place," she said.

Alvarado said that these problems come with endeavors of this kind.

"It will be a challenge, but we will get it done," he said. "(The city council) knows something needs to be done in your neighborhood."

The to-do list, Miller said, does not end there for people living in Longview Tracts.

"Do I have to get on my knees to get the city to get (residents) to clean up their places?" she said. Weeds, branches and abandoned bushes abound in several places throughout the neighborhood.

"I ask and they say 'I see no problem.' A month later, three lots burn," Miller added.

Alvarado responded that there were 151 case notices last year issued to Longview Tracts. Regarding the bushes Miller considers a fire hazard, he noted that as long as they are under 12 inches, the city cannot do much.

"All it takes is a firecracker," Miller shot back. "Can't we lower that (standard) to three inches?"

Dissatisfaction reigned among some of the neighbors after the meeting.

Joe Torres, the owner of a private sewer system, said his system's drain field is getting plugged, and the alternative seems to be hoping and praying the city gets that grant. He much rather pay a contractor, he said, and get it fixed.

"It's an exercise in futility," said Don Swanson of the meeting. "They should have this meeting when they know they are going to have something."

Even if for some the prospects are bleak, Miller held on to some optimism, saying she was grateful the city was offering to go after some money.

"I don't think we will get it, she said. "But we need some help."

Help is on the way, the city said, for yet another problem affecting this neighborhood. The private water system servicing a number of neighbors of Longview Tracts will be shut down in August of next year.

Gary Harer, the city's municipal services director, said that low-interest loans and grants are still available through the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development office for people who are on the private water system and who own their property. Neighbors should be receiving their applications in the mail.

Harer added that if they have any questions, they should call (509) 664-0223, and ask for Melanie Drecksel, whom he said will help residents with their applications.