Neighbors press council after decades of intermittent maintenance for ravine behind home

A pair of longtime residents described weeks of pest problems and repeated flooding from an overgrown ravine behind their home and asked the City Council to help identify ownership and secure a long-term maintenance plan.

Diane Ansley told the council the ravine behind her house had been maintained intermittently for decades — sometimes by city crews or by subcontractors — but that maintenance stopped in 2023 and the area has since become overgrown. She said the ravine had attracted possums and raccoons that entered her attic and that heavy rains had previously filled her basement; "We even got old now. I can't fight these storms," she said.

Why it matters: The family said recurring flooding and wildlife intrusions have caused stress and health concerns for elderly residents; they asked the council to clarify whether the ravine is city-owned and who is responsible for routine clearing and long-term fixes.

Council member Evan Shabazz said staff would investigate ownership and noted the area had been maintained by the city in the past. Mayor Whitmire told the residents his office would get Public Works to provide short-term relief and work on a long-term plan with them.

What council staff said: Mayor Whitmire pledged immediate follow-up: "We're gonna get with public works. We'll get it taken care of in the short term, but we need a long term plan with you and your family." Council members and staff discussed past maintenance ties to city programs that had used subcontractors and noted prior litigation had affected continuing maintenance schedules.

Ending: City staff committed to follow up with the Ansleys and Public Works; no vote or formal directive was recorded during the meeting.