Resident urges city action on Ferguson Avenue trash and squatters; staff commits investigation

Pastor Guy, a resident of Ferguson Avenue, told the commission during public comment that an alley shared between Ferguson and Faulkner avenues has persistent illegal dumping, tires, squatters and threatening behavior that is affecting nearby seniors.

Pastor Guy said the problem is “out of hand now” and that housing inspectors told him they had trouble locating property owners. He said rodents and persistent dumping were creating an unsafe and neglected condition and that neighborhood residents were intimidated from taking action.

A city staff member responding during the commission’s closing remarks said she would ask housing, police, fire and public works to coordinate an investigation, and said the city has the authority to secure properties and remove squatters and address the trash in the alley where appropriate. The staff member asked Pastor Guy to remain so staff could obtain contact information to follow up.

The city manager’s remarks later in the meeting echoed that staff would work together to investigate and secure properties, remove unauthorized occupants where legally permitted and address the trash and health hazards in the alley. No formal motion was taken during public comment; staff described the response as a directive to coordinate an interdepartmental follow-up.

Pastor Guy said he would provide photographs if needed; staff asked him to stay after the meeting so they could collect contact information and begin a coordinated response.