Resident urges East Grand Forks to act on recurring problems at 420 First Avenue NE

Holly Jump, a resident at 416 1st Avenue Northeast, told the East Grand Forks City Council on Oct. 7 that her neighborhood has been disrupted for years by activity at 420 First Avenue Northeast, which she said is occupied by members of the Kosal family.

"The volume of foot and vehicle traffic at all hours, suspected drug activity, and the frequent presence of law enforcement have created a climate of unease among nearby residents," Jump said, adding that one person she named as Beth Koso has been living in a tent in the backyard and that people "have been staying there, coming and going on the property at all hours of the night." She also cited alleged overdoses, disturbances involving aggressive individuals and an aggressive dog, and roaming cats damaging property.

Mayor Mark Olstead and council members asked for additional detail and requested a city response. A police representative told the council officers respond regularly to that location and that at least one resident may be moving to Crookston, which could reduce some activity. City Administrator Reed Hutton said he would report back to council at a future meeting.

Jump asked for a range of responses: increased patrols, code enforcement, and outreach to mental-health and homelessness services. "We're asking for help to take action and help us restore the peace and safety to our community," she said.

Council members and staff did not identify an immediate enforcement action at the meeting but said the police department and city administration will continue working the issue and that Hutton will provide an update at a future council meeting.

Next steps: Hutton will report back to the council with follow-up on the complaint, as requested during the open forum.