Sheriff, realtors to discuss Larson Housing area

MOSES LAKE - Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones is planning to meet with local realtor groups to help curb crime in the Larson Housing area.

Several neighborhood residents expressed frustration during last month's town hall meeting, concerned with the condition of many of the properties. Jones said this is one of the biggest complaints in the area, adding the poor conditions attract the criminal element.

"Hopefully by getting a little pressure on the homeowners and saying you either need to clean up your stuff or you need to get out," Jones said. "People are afraid to come out and let their kids play outside."

Jones added many of the property owners don't live in Moses Lake, and more and more homes are now rentals. It's easy to tell who owns their home and those who are renting, Jones said.

"You would think they would get tired of doing complete remodels of these homes," Jones said. "They (realtors) want to clean it up just as much as the next person."

Jones was contacted by several residents following the town hall, several wanting to help clean up or report code violations. The county code enforcement department is a report-driven department.

"If you call and report it, and it's documented, then they have something to follow up on," Jones said.

Jones and Moses Lake Police Chief Dave Ruffin will meet with a realtor group, which deals with about 300 properties in the area, in the next couple weeks. He also said he is working with the county Building Department and Grant PUD to add more lighting in the neighborhood.