Welcome!
Welcome to residents of the North Olympic Peninsula. This site deals mostly with Port Angeles issues, but all area residents are welcome to participate. This is YOUR FORUM. This is YOUR chance to vent; to rant. Tell us what YOU THINK:
Population growth
Environment
Economy
Crime
Traffic
Gateway Center and how it will affect downtown Port Angeles
Who is most concerned about the welfare of Port Angeles: Chamber of Commerce? City Council? Downtown Association? Other_______________
What do you like/dislike about Port Angeles?
What does the city need more of? Less of?
And any other local issues you're interested in.
OK, Ready? Just click on "Comments" and start ranting.
Population growth
Environment
Economy
Crime
Traffic
Gateway Center and how it will affect downtown Port Angeles
Who is most concerned about the welfare of Port Angeles: Chamber of Commerce? City Council? Downtown Association? Other_______________
What do you like/dislike about Port Angeles?
What does the city need more of? Less of?
And any other local issues you're interested in.
OK, Ready? Just click on "Comments" and start ranting.
Labels: Downtown Association, Gateway Center, Olympic Peninsula, PADA, Port Angeles
posted by Tom Harper at 6:51 PM
62 Comments:
Hi AJ, thanks for stopping by. Yes, Port Angeles is a great town. It's not big or cosmopolitan like Victoria, but it's got a beautiful scenic waterfront, lots of excellent shops and restaurants and a lot of historic buildings. The town needs to do a lot more to play up its local history and indicate to tourists where the historic buildings are. When tourists drive away from the ferry terminal and turn right, there's no sign or indication of what the town has to offer. After they've gone a few blocks there's a sign for Route 101 and away they go.
The city has to do a lot more to bring tourists, and local residents, into the downtown area. There's a lot here but not enough people know about it.
Yay, a PA Forum! This will be good in weeks/months to come as the whole Downtown Association thing shakes out.
Thanks, Tom!
Too many people are moving here, AND housing prices are too high. We need to control growth and provide affordable housing. I hope it's possible to solve both of these problems.
Port Angeles is a great city. Let's keep it that way.
...HI, TOM DID I START OFF ON THE WRONG PAGE, PER CHANCE ??? IS THIS THE CORRECT PAGE TO "PUBLISH" ON ? WAS THE OTHER (1ST) PAGE JUST TO "SIGN IN" ???
HI, TOM ...WHAT DOES THE "WORD VERIFICATION" DO - TALLY SOMETHING?
USING THE "ALL CAPS" TELLS YOU WHO'S DOING THIS PROBABLY, so now I will save space. Does this page also "max out" @ 300 characters - like that "1st page"said ?
.....Say "HI"to Cath8-4 me... ;-) ... Paul L.
Paul: Yes, you did it right. There's no character limit that I know of; you can go on as long as you want.
Word Verification records your home address so Homeland Security can take you in for questioning. (Just kidding!!) All websites are plagued by spammers -- automated programs that leave sales pitches in the Comment section. Word Verification just verifies that it's a live person typing and not an automated program. It's a nuisance, but without it the Comment section can fill up with dozens of sales pitches for everything imaginable.
....Good mMrnin', Rondi...."WE" missed you @ the Sat 9 am "Rondi-vue" with Cath.8 & Paul L.
..."C U" shortly, tho'....
... ;-) ... "P.L." ...
Hi, AJ, we have a fantastic community of shops downtown. But people don't seem to get beyond the ferry or Front St.....look along 1st St. Lots of parking in the parking lot in between Brown's & The Family Shoe Store and then walk through the breezeway. You'll have fun going in and out of all the shops.
Looking at how things have been handled by the city...landing mall sale & Gateway project...I'm starting to believe we need new city council members that have ethics.
This was my horoscope today, maybe I should read it to all those whiners that continually whine and don't participate in active solutions. (If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem!):
There is a difference between being observant and being whiny. If you see something wrong and can find suggestions on improving it (or can act on your ideas and solve the problem), then you are an observant. But if all you do is point fingers and complain about things without offering any alternatives, you are just a whiner. You can see what needs to be done today, so go out and do it. You will inspire all the whiners in the world to shut up and join you in a solution.
The previous was meant for the Downtown Assn. morning mingles and the habitual whiners.
THE BIGGEST PROBLEM THAT P.A. HAS - IS THAT THERE IS NO "COMPETITIVE MEDIA" SOURCE TO GET THE "REAL" (INSIDE) NEWS OF WHAT / WHOM IS "DRIVING" THIS CITY !!!
...To "Anony.(#11 down from the top).....There will be (3)-maybe(4)? City Council seats up for election at the end of this year.....throw y'er hat in the ring & let us know where to throw support ... ...You Got Ethics? ;-) ...
Crime is getting out of control in Port Angeles. Maybe not violent crime, but vandalism, ripoffs, thefts. Check this out. Thefts in 2006 are almost double from 2005.
Our local government needs to get its priorities straight. Schools are closing, the police department is understaffed, and the city would rather spend tens of millions of dollars on a new high-tech swimming pool that we don't need (we've already got one!) and a downtown construction project that nobody wants.
What's wrong with this picture?
WHAT A SUPER DEAL...JUST THINK... A $15 MILLION SWIMMIN' HOLE AND IT WILL ONLY COST - IN ADDITIONAL PROPERTY TAXES NEXT YEAR ABOUT $210.00 FOR THE "AVERAGE" ($250.00) HOME IN P.A.; OR, $300.00 FOR THOSE $350,000 HOMES; AND $400.00 FOR THOSE $475.000 HOMES (PLUS INCREASED "USER FEES").
WAS YOUR HOME "RE-ASSESSED" THIS YEAR ? AND, DID THE VALUE GO UP - FOR TAX PURPOSES NEXT YEAR ?
AND GUESS WHAT ELSE – FOLKS IN THE COUNTY GET TO SWIM ALMOST FREE - BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT "TAXED" FOR IT - BUT THEIR "USER" FEE WILL BE TOO HIGH TO USE IT...SO THE CITY GETS A "WAY TOO FANCY" FACILITY AND WONT BE ABLE TO AFFORD IT ...BECAUSE THIS CITY COUNCIL ALREADY HAS ON THEIR PLATE : TWO NEW BRIDGES, THE INFAMOUS DOWNTOWN "GATEWAY PROJECT", THE ELWHA DAM REMOVAL, THE "CLEAN – SAFE WATER" ISSUE ....AND PORT ANGELES IS STILL A LOW INCOME COMMUNITY THAT HAS "SOCIAL SERVICES" AS ITS INCOME BASE.
LET THE FOLKS WHO WANT TO SWIM - PAY FOR IT. THE REST OF US WILL JUST HAVE TO DO WITHOUT – WHILE WE TRY TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO PAY OUR EVER INCREASING FEES FOR PROPERTY TAXES, LIGHTS, HEAT, WATER, GARBAGE PICK UP, AND MEDICAL BILLS.
AND TO THE PRESENT CITY COUNCIL THAT INSISTS ON A "SHOWCASE" RECREATION SPORT FACILITY FOR A FEW OF THEIR "SPORT FRIENDS" – I SAY: NOT AT MY EXPENSE" ! MY FRIENDS AND I HAVE ALREADY VOTED "NO") !
Damn, that crime website (2 comments up) is alarming. It seemed like there's been more ripoffs and more vandalism, but I thought I was just imagining things. It's too bad to have it confirmed.
Are we getting more police officers? Is the city planning to do anything about this? Or do they have "more important" things to do?
Anybody know what the Park & Rec Department is up to? 2 months ago they took out the playground equipment from that park at Oak and Fifth. They were going to replace it with newer equipment. Where's the new equipment? There's just a big hole sitting there. Anybody home?
"What does the city need more of?" How about -- something to do?? First they close the Upside, now Delaney's is closed. What are they trying to do? There might actually be some local residents who like to do something besides stay home and watch TV.
...For the Oak & 5th St's. playground - call Bill Sterling (City Parks Dir.) 417-4551. He'll know.
GUESS WHAT, FOLKS !!!???
Y'ER CITY WATER BASE RATE IS GOING UP (19%) in January !!!
..." MJ "
There sure are a lot of issues simmering away here. The next couple of months should tell the tale, with new Downtown Association board members being elected, a new Executive Director being hired, and probably an accounting of the finances of the organization. We need to move forward, and these are necessary next steps.
Port Angeles is such a great little city, we have to keep it that way!
...Hey,Tom - I need a lesson on making this page work - by using the "Blogger" option (with a 'Google'Acct.)setup. Can ya' help ? {I got some more "FIRE" for ya'!!!...
..."MJ"... ;-) ...
…CALL IT WHAT YOU MAY - - DEMOCRACY IN A REPUBLIC…THE CITIZEN’S RIGHT TO VOTE…DICTATORIAL LEGALEZE…TOO MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE…POLITICAL POSTURING FOR POSITION PRESERVATION…A WISH LIST AS LONG AS YOUR ARM…POSITIONING FOR POWER…DISCRETIONARY SPENDING…THE DREAMS OF THE MINORITY…THE WISHES OF THE MAJORITY - - WHATEVER - - ………………..
…But WHAT is (REALLY) going on with all of the proposed projects in our fair city that the present city council is deeply involved in – TO THE MAX – needless to say!!!…???
…Where is Port Angeles REALLY headed – besides more school closures; more low income housing; more homeless population being invited into the area; more public services for non - family wage job residents; more meth problems; more varied criminal cases filling up the courts; and more (so-called) public projects promoted by our City Council for – WHOM ??? – A public that can’t afford it ALL - - or a small City group of "resume builders" looking for: "Hey, look at what I did when I was steering the ship" !!!
…Well, let’s hope that an "ice-berg" doesn’t pop up un-expectantly in front of that ship on its way to – "TREASURE TROVE ISLAND", and sink it midway to its Luxurious Destination…………………
.. " MJ "………………………………
…THE "CITY" : WOULDA’ – COULDA’ – SHOULDA’…….???…!!!…
...THE VOTING PUBLIC SHOULDA' HAD A VOTE ON "FLUORIDATION" - - INSTEAD OF HAVING TO: "FIGHT CITY HALL" AFTER PETITIONING AGAINST IT...AND THEN HAVING THE CITY COUNCIL (LITERALLY) CRAMMING IT DOWN THE THROATS OF ALL OF THE CITIZENS' ANYWAY...
...THE PUBLIC SHOULDA' BEEN FREELY GIVEN THE "RIGHT OF INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM" BY THE CITY COUNCIL WHEN REQUESTED - INSTEAD OF HAVING TO: "FIGHT CITY HALL" AGAIN - TO OBTAIN IT BY PETITION...
...THE PUBLIC SHOULDA' BEEN ALLOWED TO VOTE ON THE TWO INTIATIVES PRESENTED TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR CLEAN SAFE WATER TO BE PLACED ON THE NOVEMBER 7 TH BALLOT - AFTER PETITIONING FOR IT - BUT THE CITY DECIDED TO SUE THE CITIZENS INSTEAD OF LETTING THE BALLOT ISSUE PROCESS DECIDE THE OUTCOME OF THOSE TWO INITIATIVES...
...THE VOTING PUBLIC SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE A VOTE ON THE TWO PROPOSED 8TH STREET BRIDGES' REPLACEMENT...
...THE PUBLIC SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE ON THE HIGHLY CONTROVERSIAL CITY COUNCIL'S PROPOSED " DOWNTOWN GATEWAY PROJECT" - AS IT IS (NOT) A "PUBLIC DESIRED PROJECT"...
...WELL - WELL- WELL - - BUT GUESS WHAT !!!...???...(BECAUSE THE CITY COUNCIL BELIEVES THAT THEY'VE GOT A "SLAM DUNK - PIECE A' CAKE FOLLOWING" GROUP - AND ORGANIZED WELL E'NUF IN ADVANCE) - THEY HAVE GRACIOUSLY ALLOWED A PUBLIC VOTE ON THEIR "HOPES" FOR AN OVERLY PRETENTIOUS & "SHOWCASE " EUROPEAN MODEL VERSION OF A TOTAL "AQUATIC CENTER COMPLEX" ("BELLEVUE OR "MERCER ISLAND" STYLE").………P.S. WHICH CITY COUNCIL PERSON IS CAMPAIGNING FOR THE "CITY $$$ / YMCA POOL" - AT HER DOWNTOWN PLACE OF BUSINESS !!!…???…….
...AND, GUESS WHAT, FOLKS...THE CITY HAS CONTRACTED A CONTROVERSIAL BUDGET ITEM TO THE TUNE OF ABOUT $15,000 (PLUS) PER YEAR - FOR AT LEAST 10 YEARS TO IMPLEMENT A TOXIC SOLUTION INTO THE PUBLIC'S WATER; ……….AND NOW HAS FORCED A "SPECIAL ELECTION" FOR SOMETIME IN 2007-2008 (?) AT AN EXTRA COST TO THE CITIZENS OF ABOUT $35,000 TO COVER THE (NO) NOVEMBER 2006 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT;...…………..AND, IS BIDDING OUT: ABOUT $26 MILLION FOR THE 8TH STREET BRIDGES; ……..ABOUT $15 MILLION FOR THE "GATEWAY" PROJECT;………AND ABOUT ANOTHER $15 MILLION FOR THE NEW (YMCA) SWIMMING POOL...
...PERHAPS WE SHOULD SEND MAYOR ROGERS BACK TO WASHINGTON, D.C. AGAIN FOR ANOTHER "SHOWCASE PROJECT" - SEEINGS AS THIS CITY COUNCIL MUST THINK THAT PORT ANGELES HAS HIT A HIDDEN "TREASURE TROVE" SOMEHERE ???-!!!-???….....
I SURELY PURELY HOPE THAT IT'S NOT ON – " TRIBAL PROPERTY " – AGAIN !!!..... ……………………" SO " ??? ……………………….………( " MJ " )…………………….
TO THOSE FOLKS FAVORING FLUORIDATION OF THE PUBLIC'S WATER SUPPLY - AND WHO CLAIM THAT IT HAS POSITIVE HEALTH BENEFITS - ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN AGE 2 TO 14 - - I OFFER THIS : - - "EVERYONE SHOULD NOT BE FORCED TO CONSUME THE WELL KNOWN TOXIC - LABLED " FLUORIDE ".
...YOU (THE CITY) ARE TELLING PEOPLE WHO ARE AGAINST FLUORIDATION TO DO SOMETHING THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO DO - AND, WITHOUT ANY CHOICE - REGARDLESS OF THEIR PERSONAL HEALTH ISSUES AND / LEGITIMATE CONCERNS.
...AS THE " UTILITY " - FLUORIDATING THE CITY'S RESIDENCES, ET AL - YOU ARE FORCING THE PEOPLE WHO ARE AGAINST FLUORIDATION OF THEIR PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY TO TAKE IT INTO THEIR HOMES AND BUSINESSES - REGARDLESS !!!
...WHEREAS IF YOU DON'T FLUORIDATE IT, THE PEOPLE WHO WANT FLUORIDE CAN BUY IT IN BOTTLES, OR OTHER APPLICATIONS THAT SUITS THEIR DESIRE. "EVERYONE WINS" - (EXCEPT THE LONELY CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, THAT IS... ;-) ..... ( " MJ " ) ... ;-) ...............................
Elections are coming up for Port Angeles Downtown Association Board of Directors. Out with the old, in with the new! This is our chance to get some new thinking and action.
Be sure to vote!
I second that previous comment. The Downtown Association Board needs some new blood. A pulse! These upcoming elections might be Port Angeles' last chance to keep our prosperous vibrant downtown. Out with the do-nothings, in with some Action!
COMMENT RESPONSE FOR PREVIOUS COMMENT ON "CRIME ISSUES" IN P.A.:
REAL FEAR = TOUGH LOVE
WHAT ON EARTH HAVE WE CREATED - WITH THE "DR. SEUSS" THEORY OF
RAISING THE "NEW GENERATION" ?
JUST ONE GENERATION AGO - PARENTS WERE IN CHARGE; SCHOOL TEACHERS,
POLICEMEN, SENIOR CITIZENS, NEIGHBORS, ETC. - WERE RESPECTED. CRIMINALS
WERE NEITHER CODDLED, NOR FEARED. BUT THEY DID FEAR PUNISHMENT FOR
THEIR CRIMES.
NOW - ALL OF THAT IS REVERSED !! WHY - WHAT HAS HAPPENED - HOW DID
WE GET OURSELVES INTO THIS MESS ???..."DR. SUESS" ? GREEDY LAWYERS ? WEAK
COURTS ? STUPID LAWS ? INEFFECTIVE SCHOOLS ? WHO - WHY - WHAT ???
WHY IS IT THAT THE MORE MONEY WE THROW AT THE CRIMINAL COMMUNITY
(WITH INCREASED TAXES) THE MORE CRIME, JAIL CONSTRUCTION, DRUG
OFFENSES, RAPES, MURDERS, ASSAULTS, - WE EXPERIENCE ???
WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE ? THE MORE RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, MEDICAL
BENEFITS, FANCIER JAILS THAT WE (THE TAXPAYERS) PROVIDE - THE MORE
CRIMINAL ABUSES WE ENDURE ??
IF "REAL" FEAR WERE INSTILLED INTO THE CRIMINAL COMMUNITY - CRIMINAL
JUSTICE BUDGETS WILL SHRINK - NOT GROW !!!...(GUARANTEED) !!!
MORE "WOODSHED" APPLICATIONS, AND LESS "DR. SUESS" MAMBY PAMBY IS
NEEDED TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THIS MESS - - AND THAT'S MY STORY, AND I'M
STICKING TO IT !!!............. ( " MJ " )
...FOOD FOR THO'T - FOR THE UPCOMING "PADA" ELECTIONS - - Please VOTE...Democracy needs YOU...YOUR Vote DOES Count...The PADA needs YOUR PARTICIPATION!!! ("MJ")...
For those previous 2 comments about crime in Port Angeles: Yes, something has to be done. Something WILL be done, whether it's done by the police or a few outraged citizens. One of these days these graffiti punks will be tagging a building when the owner is present, and somebody will get a tune-up. Big time.
When are the PADA board elections? When will we get ballots? Will the ballots come through the mail?
...NOMINATION BALLOTS WERE MAILED OUT LAST(MID)WEEK TO (ALL?) PAID UP MEMBERS OF THE PADA. They need to be "RETURNED" by 5pm on Tues.(next week)the 28th. If you have NOT received yours (paid up member?) call Jan @ 452-8248, or e-mail to: (jan@seasuns.com)... ELECTIONS will be in Dec. and Board Members start in January.
...Reminder - "Morning Mingle" on Wed. 29th - 8 AM - Landing (upstairs lounge meeting room. "C U There-Then"... ;-)"MJ"...
Port Angeles is a Dumb town. When the working people have time to spend their money the comercial sector are all closed. Except the big box stores. Where do you think our money goes? Surly not back into the local economy because the box stores are paying minimum or close to the minimum. Wonder why you can not make a living here? Try being open when the customers have time off. Seems silly to have hours 9-5 M-F just like the workers.
Here is another idea. NO PARKING and RUDE DRIVERS on Port Angeles roadways. ME FIRST is the way they drive. Why would anybody want to risk their life to visit Port Angeles.
I totally agree with you about local stores closing at 5 pm so local folks who work till 5 can't shop locally. As a one time business owner who ran the business as a sole propriator, it is very difficult to keep those long hours.
To MJ (we know who you are Paul), we are spending more money on police, courts, jails, however, that is not the cause of increased crime. There is a correlation but not a causality.
I moved to Port Angeles August 2005. I had lived most of my life in Portland/Vancouver area. I spent a couple of years in Ocean Shores and in Olympia. This is a beautiful place to live. Locals who have lived here for years take it for granted. I buy 2 park passes each year, one for each car. We love the outdoors and there is more to do here than we have time for. We are the vacation destination of the rest of our family and friends now. The small town festivals, the friendly restaurants. Victoria for lunch anyone? Whales, Marmots, Eagles, seals and many many more.
Things are a little expensive here. Housing was a challenge. I had to pay about $40,000 to $50,000 more for a comparable house to the one I owned in Olympia. A hair cut, nails done, car wash etc, all about $3.00 more here. We think it's worth it and would love to stay here forever now. No more moving. Thanks to the local downtown merchants for a nice place for the children to go for Halloween. You won't find that in a bigger town.
Tom...can you activate a "date stamp" for the emails as well as the time stamp? And, with so many anonymous posters it is difficult to refer back to a specific post... can the posts be numbered?
Otherwise, thanks for the blog.
...To the last "ANONY."...YOU MISSED MY "POINT"???...I SAID THAT - EVEN THO' WE ARE INVOLVING MORE CRIMINAL "PROTECTIONS", BLDGS., PREVENTION SERVICES, ETC. - CRIME & ASSOCIATED HAPPENINGS ARE BECOMING MORE PREVALENT - and WHY is that ????...(Because there is not ADEQUATE PUNISHMENT FOR THE OFFENDERS)..."THEY" HAVE NO FEAR !!!...WE ARE THROWING "GOOD MONEY AT BAD ACTIONS" - AND IT IS NOT WORKING - "THERE IS NO FEAR -BECAUSE THERE IS NOT E'NUF "SEVERE" PUNISHMENT!!! THANKS TO THE "DR.SEUSS THEORY) !!! ..."MJ"... ;-)...
...EXCELLENT POINT "WP"...I was just going to suggest that..."THANX"... "MJ"...
Whiney Pooper: OK, the comments show the date and time (good suggestion, thanks). I don’t think there’s a way to number the comments. I’ll make a few separate posts for specific issues (Gateway Center, how to promote the downtown, or any issue that gets a lot of comments) so that the Comment section doesn’t get too cluttered.
I Love PA: That was a very nice comment. I couldn’t agree more. I love it here. We moved here in September ‘04 after discovering P.A. on a vacation the previous summer. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, a boat ride away from Victoria, a short distance from Olympic National Park and lots of nice towns — this is Paradise.
But the town is facing some serious problems and there are lots of scary rumors circulating. The secrecy of our city government (with a little help from the local “newspaper”) makes fertile ground for rumors. A lot of people think the city government wants to choke off the downtown and let it die, and then developers will be able to move in and raze everything and put up highrises. If there’s any truth to this, the Gateway project is the perfect vehicle for this to happen. This $13 million bus stop is bulldozing its way into downtown Port Angeles whether anyone wants it or not (and most people don’t, not that that matters). The traffic and parking nightmare will be a huge challenge to every downtown merchant.
There’s also a rumor that the city government is planning to tear down most of the homes in Gales Addition and replace them with strip malls. There’s no way to verify or refute this, but again, the secretive labyrinthine nature of the city government makes it easy for dire predictions and rumors to spread.
I’m hoping this forum will provide a way for people to vent and express themselves and communicate. The PDN seems very selective in their reporting and it just about takes an act of Congress to get them to print a letter to the editor. I’ve done lots of web searches to find some sort of online forum or bulletin board for this area. The closest thing I could find was the Port Angeles Journal, and it seems like it’s been pretty inactive for awhile. So I hope this forum will fill a need.
Tom if they take every thing down and put up highrises with no parking and bad traffic and all businesses closed by 5 pm it would be a waste of money. Doesn't matter how much money you put into an area if you have no customers you make no money! Port Angeles just does not get it. Sure you might have to work long hours but you need a way to have customers. Parking, open during workers off hours, and a traffic pattern that will encourage customers to shop local. Port Angeles has NONE of these. Probably should put the highrise idea on hold and figure out a way to get the trucks out of downtown and make it safe to travel in and out of Port Angeles. Good thing they are putting $13 million into a place for the busses to park and NOTHING for the customers. Good Plan
On crime, my guess is it's being driven by methamphetamine users. How can this be stopped? No answers here. Some big emptiness inside these people drives them to take this awful drug, and then they lose their soul. They no longer see the difference between good and evil and just become evil. Plus, there's lots of 'em, in our town and everywhere else.
The bus garage idea? Seems like a colossal waste of money.
To anonymous, I'm not sure what you are talking about, have you been downtown lately, a good many shops are open on Sat& Sun and later at night, mine for example is open till 7 on Thurs for 4 months now. I hope you come in sometime.
Yes this is a fabulous place to live and do business.
Tom, should we start a blog about the nominations for the PADA so far the people that I am aware who are interested are Catherine Harper, Paul Lemeroux,Sandy Long, and Flora Jackman. I also have bios available for the 4 if anyone is interested.
As a Board Member "Nominee" - Here is what I see-that are the most Important Areas facing the PADA at this present time - (and these are my (4)GOALS TO FIX) - (#1) PARKING ISSUES; (#2)BETTER COMUNICATIONS BETWEEN "ALL" MEMBERS; (#3)ADDITIONAL REVENUE SOURCES FOR SURVIVAL; (#4)TO BRING UNITY, TRUST, AND A SENSE OF "BELONGING" TO A GROUP OF HAPPY, PROSPEROUS BUSINESS FOLKS IN A GROWING "DOWNTOWN" PLACE THAT IS "CUSTOMER FRIENDLY"!!!!
I AM READY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN - ARE YOU?
Signed, Paul Lamoureux
Good for you, FLORA J. Where are you located ? We should meet. Paul L. (I know of the(3)others.
Dear Fellow Bloggers, Lurkers and Drop-Ins,
Blogging and bulletin boards are probably new to most of you, so let me share some of my experience.
FIRST, TO ANONYMOUS POSTERS: Better communication will take place if you at least select the "Other" option and make up a moniker, or name, for yourself. That way, when one wants to refer back to a post by "Anonymous" there won't be so much confusion as to which Anonymous. Be creative...it can be anything you want. Sticking with your moniker helps others to become familiar with you and your ideas. Of course, if you just need to rant about things then it makes sense to be Anonymous so you won't lose credibility as a poster.
SECOND: Very lengthy posts and posts which contain excessive ranting run the risk of not being taken seriously, or not read in their entirety. Posts which gloss over multiple issues are also problematic. Try selecting one or two issues, offer details and substantiate your claims with facts. When you approach a post in this manner, productive discussions can take place.
THIRD: Understand what "Off Topic" means and warn the reader if you intend to go down that road. For instance, parenting styles ("woodshed" vs "Dr. Seuss") are not germaine to the topic of Port Angeles, although one may feel quite compassionate about this issue. Off Topic discussions tend to sidetrack the purpose of a blog and make for tedious reading by posters who are seriously interested in this blog's focus: Port Angeles.
NOTE: This is NOT my blog, but I am very interested in the issues of Port Angeles. However, the ranting in some of these posts really isn't much different than the "whining" that occurs in PADA meetings. More will be accomplished if the intent of the blog remains the primary focus.
..
"MJ" said..Hey,"WP"...Good Guidlines - Thanks.
My husband and I try very hard to FIND local things to support. It is just a part of being a positive citizen of your area. I shop downtown whenever possible. I take friends downtown when they come to visit Although I am not a skier, my husband and family members from Olympia all ski Hurricane Ridge. Great Warren Miller film by the way! You will find Ski Hurricane Ridge bumper stickers on both of our cars. We are constantly told by long time locals that we know more things around this area to do than they do. I know it sounds like I am patting myself on the back, but I am just trying to make a point. Look and you will find it!
I really doubt that their are Villians lurking around every corner trying to ruin downtown. Those people have to live and work here too. Just because people don't agree on a subject doesn't a conspiracy make.
Yes, I agree that there seems to be a conspiracy of secrecy with complicity from the PDN. I doubt that anyone at City Hall would seriously hope for the destruction of downtown to be replaced with highrises. I do think that downtown needs more residential uses in the middle to high income range to create a real neighborhood. Eyes on the street tend to reduce crime. Residents tend to spend leisure time milling about there neighborhood and congregating in shops to spend money. Parking, yes there would need to be more efficient parking. This means a centrally locate parking structure, possibly south of Godshalks at the base of the bluff. then some of the surface parking could be redeveloped with 2 or 3 story buildings where apartments or condos could ocupy upper levels and retail spaces that might more nearly meet the needs of contemporary businesses could ocupy. This infill would create an improved aesthetic to downtown. Something other than the current empty space appearance so prevalent along the north side of Front Street. This 'lost space' furthers the impression that it is a long way to walk to get from the available parking to the store front you want to get to.
Dear Anonymous (7:37 PM, October 29, 2006)
You said...
"Too many people are moving here..."
So, let me ask you this...were you born and raised here and NEVER moved away? If you moved away at anytime and then moved back -- you moved here, too! Also, have you had children? If so, YOU contributed to the population increase also.
So, unless you are born and raised and never lived anywhere else, and unless you never had children -- YOU are part of the problem. Think about it!
Too many people moving here...good grief!
Have a nice day, grinch.
We don't have as many people moving to Port Angeles as Sequim does. There is at least 1500 permits floating around to build new homes. If Port Angeles had the influx of people, our schools wouldn't be shutting down. Retirees spend money and are an asset to the community with years of knowledge that we have to tap into.
What we need is a better highway or a freeway other than Hwy. 101. Change that curve around Morse Creek or build an alternate route just in case of an accident so it doesn't snarl traffic. It's only going to get worse, and it's because we're having kids and they are having kids and so on and everyone drives at least one vehicle each or more. More people is just fine, just find better routes to lessen the conjestion.
It started snowing yesterday...and not one snow plow showed up. Why? Because the city only has two real snow plows, and has none of the plow attachments (that can be added to any truck sized city vehicle). Most cities and towns across America have a snow plan. It starts the entire city crew is out there plowing and salting, and plowing, as it's falling.
During the "big snow" of 89, or whenever, it took days for the city to even GET TO their pair of plows. We were all stuck inside, or risked life and limb to venture out.
I know the city can't do anything about weather, but it CAN come up with a plan for snow...that makes some sense. Let's face it, not everyone can stay in and not go to work when there is snow on the ground. How does business operate in areas that have frequent snow? I know the whole town doesn't shut down like PA is today!!!
I thought the snow was beautiful. Our street got plowed right away. My husband made it to work even going up and down Hill street without incident. I emailed pictures of this amazing place all covered with a winter wonderland to friends and family all over the country.
WOW so many of you people can only think of negative things to say. How sad for you.
Be prepared for any weather if you live in this area and learn to rely on yourself. People I know who had to get to work, planned ahead to make sure they could. If your job depends on you then that is your responsibility.
I agree that the city needs to oversee their spending better. Start with the NEEDS before the wants.
I have an afterthought that is off the subject. What is with all the restaurants in this town raising prices and offering this new lame discount? Last winter they said that they have winter specials to thank the locals for coming in and keeping them afloat in the off season. Great specials and by one get one free coupons in the ads. This year all the prices go up at least a dollar. The specials aren't very special and buy one get one 1/2 off isn't worth my time to stop by!
I have shifted my restaurant habits because of this. I was a loyal local at Bushwackers twice a week last year and I took family and friends along. This year I have only gone once and that was just for salad. They have priced me out of wanting to go. I enjoy the staff there but I won't pay those prices. I ignore the buy one get one half off too. If everyone did this maybe they would get the hint.
We got the chance to vote on the aquatics center and it went down to defeat. Are we retro bitching? We won that one. Let's look forward. Let it be known what you want your tax dollars spent on. I just think angry confrontations accomplish nothing. When you are so negative about everything you get labelled and everyone stops listening to you. If you don't like the way it is done, offer a solution.
Opportunity to learn & vent...!
Tuesday, December 5th, 6 pm: City Council Meeting
Public hearings include the water rate study. It was posted earlier on this blog about the base water rate going up over 15%. Now is the time to express yourself. Link to the city council agenda:
https://www.ci.port-angeles.wa.us/citycouncilAgenda.htm
I guess they need to round up $10,000 to pay for the fluoride program next year...
...THANX for your support on the upcoming Council Mtg.,"WP"...In usual fashion - I'll be there!!!
(the "speaker" with the "Black Eye")... ;-) Paul L.
W.C.: I haven't been following this issue too closely. Do you have some more information I could use, or a website where I could get information?
I have this PDN article. Is this an accurate summary? I'll be happy to do a post; I just want to know what I'm talking about.
w.c.,
I don't understand what you mean by "for all the obvious reasons" and "read between the lines." Could you elaborate a bit?
Thanks,
Taylor
Yeah. And why wasn't there a school band at the parade downtown? Or, choir, or drill team? I see a disconnect between the PA community and the school community.
Greetings to All,
On the topic of the proposed school levy: Gary Cohn is scheduled to address the Port Angeles Business Association Tuesday, January 9, 7:30 a.m., at Joshua's Restaurant. You know the routine.
Hope to see you there,
Taylor
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