Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (June 12, 2021)
SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, JUNE 12 2021 | 7A BOARDWALK from page 1A “Speaking for myself, I have al- ways viewed the City of Florence and the Port of Siuslaw as a team. With the Port Campground and Marina right in Old Town, coop- eration and coordination between the City and the Port is critically important if we are going to best serve our common interests and those of our citizens,” Meyer said. “The successful grant that the city council approved, with the coop- eration of the port commission approval, is an excellent example of what we can accomplish.” The funding for the project, $44,161, was obtained by the city from a Destination Ready grant awarded through Travel Oregon. The Destination Ready grant pro- gram awards projects that develop and enhance visitor experiences, aids in economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and in- creases overall livability for resi- dents of the area receiving the fi- nancial support. Travel Oregon received 135 ap- plications for this series of grants and the award to Florence for the joint project was the fourth largest awarded in the state. Florence Assistant City Manag- er Megan Messmer was on hand for the presentation and echoed Meyer’s thoughts on the project. “As we continue to reopen and recover, we hope this space will continue to enhance the Florence Boardwalk and Old Town areas. ZONE from page 1A and the duration of tax loss- es which would result from a redesignation. “The Florence Enterprise Zones consists of 3 areas. We have the Pacific View Busi- ness Park, which is located up on Kingwood Street; … the property which was the old school site up on Quince Street, which includes the property across from the PHOTOS BY MARK BRENNAN/SIUSLAW NEWS The Port of Siuslaw is now the home to newly installed ameni- ties, including benches, bike racks, trash receptacles and pic- nic tables. These amenities will be available to help support restaurants, shops, and community gatherings by ex- panding seating in the area,” she said. The grant allowed for the pur- chase of seven park benches, six picnic tables, four smaller table and stool sets, seven wildlife-proof garbage cans, five bike racks and 32 replacement trash can lids. In order to place the equipment Florence Events Center as well as the old ball field site; and we have the Port of Siu- slaw properties, including the Port of Siuslaw Board- walk,” Weese said. She then reviewed the criteria for becoming eligi- ble for consideration by the state to receive the designa- tion, as well as the restric- tions and which businesses might qualify. There are currently 75 en- We are open for dine-in, take-out, sidewalk & patio seating We are doing everything we can to safely serve our community. We are open: 11am to 9pm every day 2020 VOTED F E BEST O F LO E N C R purchased through the grant, the Port of Siuslaw and the City had to enter into an In- tergovernmental Agreement (IGA). The agreement stipulates the city will retain ownership of the equipment, which will be main- tained by the port. In addition, Florence Public Works department installed the equipment and will be notified by port employees if damage oc- curs to any of the newly installed equipment. The term of the IGA is 15 years and the expected life of terprise zones for business investment across Oregon: 58 rural and 17 urban. Local governments are responsi- ble for creating, amending, managing, and renewing most of these zones, until June 30, 2025. State statutes still speci- fy requirements for which Business Oregon deter- mines the zone’s eligibility. In particular, the law sets out the following local eco- nomic hardship criteria, of which one needs to be met: (1) Household medi- an income is 80% or less of state median income, or (2) Unemployment rate is 2 the equipment is 20 years. Port Facilities Manager Chris McCann believes the new equip- ment is a great addition to the boardwalk area and has already received feedback from visitors. “People have been very positive about the new tables and benches. They look great and they should be very easy to maintain. And our new ‘Garbage Garages’ are wild- life-proof, with a smaller opening for trash so that people can’t throw their household garbage away,” he said. “I think these will be great additions for the residents and vis- percentage points or more higher than the state unem- ployment rate, based on the most recent annual figures. Business Oregon can consider alternative but equally severe criteria, as addressed in their adminis- trative rules. Invitations to the meeting were forwarded to the Port of Siuslaw, Western Lane Ambulance District, Siuslaw Library District, Lane Com- munity College, Central Lincoln Public Utility Dis- trict and the Siuslaw School District. These groups were invited primarily because the enterprise zone being itors to the area who want to come and sit by the river.” Florence City Councilor Sally Wantz also attended the unveil- ing of the amenities as well as the second part of the presentation, which was a walk-through of the Florence Farmers Market. “It was so good to get out in the open air with staff and the entire council to celebrate the addition of picnic tables on the boardwalk for locals and visitors to enjoy. There’s no better view than what we experienced this day in the sun with the mighty Siuslaw River as a backdrop,” Wantz said. “Later, we headed to the other end of Bay Street to the Farmer’s Market. My fellow councilors and the mayor joined me to support the efforts of this organization and its vendors who are to create pathways for sustainable local food production and security which is, after all, one of our work plan and EMAC ob- jectives.” The trip to the farmers market allowed councilors spoke with vendors and some of the hundred or so customers at the market. The city representatives arrived just as the market was opening and dozens of customers were already waiting in line to purchase pro- duce, freshly-caught fish and sus- tainably-raised meat and eggs. The councilors then spent time talking with staff and shoppers about the benefit of supporting local farm- ers and providing healthy, organic eating options for the public. discussed would include all or part of one or more tax code areas in which those districts levy taxes. There were a number of questions asked by par- ticipants which asked for clarification of the types of businesses eligible for abatement and the parking situation at the Port of Siu- slaw. The question of how much parking is needed in Old Town during the sum- mer months was briefly discussed, with Bill Meyer, who sits on both the Flor- ence City Council and the Port of Siuslaw, reminding those in attendance that the parking lots at the port were available for develop- ment and could prove to be an additional draw for po- tential investors or buyers. “It is important for every- one to realize that property is zoned for commercial development — not that the port is advertising or promoting it for develop- ment,” Meyer said. “That is some extremely valuable waterfront property, and if it is developed the parking would go along with any properties that were devel- oped in the green belt adja- cent to the boardwalk.” Surfside Restaurant at Drift wood Shores Resort Is Open for Dine-in & take out from 4pm - 8:30 pm Tuesday - Saturday 1285 Bay Street, Old Town Florence (541) 902-8338 Call 541-902-6447 www.1285Restobar.com Drift wood Shores Resort 88416 1st Avenue, Florence Buying or Selling? I can help. LEGACY PORTRAITURE Portraits that will show your innermost self. Amy Johnson Broker, CSA 541 999-7875 RODGER BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY 4th Avenue #106 – Nice beach area lot with water and power services at the lot line. With a little clearing this lot could be ready for your new home. Walking distance to the beach and minutes to town. Bring your toys and enjoy your little gem on the coast! $55,000. #2995-19651615 1234 Rhododendron Drive #7 | Florence, Oregon 97439 541-991-0777 | www.photobyrodger.com Since 1983 Broker Your goals are my top priority. Let’s get together! LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTERS Tires • Brakes • Shocks Alignments 4325 Highway 101 Florence, OR 97439 541-997-7178 Call, Text or Email Cell: 541-505-1180 Alva@CBCoast.com 541-997-7777 100 Hwy. 101, Florence, OR COAST REAL ESTATE ESTATE JEWELRY AND ANTIQUE FURNITURE!!! We buy, sell and consign quality estate/heirloom jewelry & furniture. Gold, silver, platinum jewelry with precious & semi precious stones. Call 541-997-8104, Florence Antiques & Coast Jewelers Insect & Pest Removal Trapping • Mole/Gopher Dead Animal Removal • Honey Bee Removal Crawl Space Cleaning • Exclusion Work Fumigation of Antiques and Commodities. (541) 997-4027 MODEL TRAIN ENTHUSIASTS Auto, Home, Life, Business Flood, Antique Auto, RV’s Medicare Advantage Plans Medicare Supplements Health Insurance Phone (541) 997-9497 1234 Rhododendron Dr / Florence Over ars 50 Ye ce! rien x E pe CALL ME TO BUY, SELL OR TRADE! I’M LOCATED HERE IN FLORENCE. 541-255-9822 - Larry landl316@live.com 4325 Highway 101, Florence 541-997-7178 1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200 Alva Bracey LES SCHWAB TIRE CENTERS Tires • Brakes Shocks • Alignment Us TOO Florence Prostate Cancer Education Support on the Oregon Coast www.ustooflorence.org BOTH MEETINGS ARE CURRENTLY ON HOLD. WATCH SIUSLAW NEWS FOR RESUMPTION • Tuesday Evening Group (2nd Tuesday) 5-7 p.m. - Ichiban Chinese/Japanese Restaurant • Urologist Dr. Bryan Mehlhaff attends. • Tuesday Lunch Group (3rd Tuesday) 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. – Ichiban Chinese/Japanese Restaurant • Urologist Dr. Roger McKimmy attends. Contact Bob for more information: (H) 541-997-6626 • (C) 541-999-4239 maribob@oregonfast.net HOME OF THE BEST TIRE VALUE PROMISE NOTICE We’re buying used cars, trucks and SUV’s. Any make or model, paid for or not. Please call today for quote. All quotes by appointment only. Johnston Motor Company Since 1939 2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475
