Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Seaside signal. (Seaside, Or.) 1905-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 14, 2018)
6A • September 14, 2018 • Seaside Signal • seasidesignal.com Gearhart designates funds for firehouse renderings R.J. MARX The Gearhart Firehouse is considered obsolete and at-risk in a Cascadia Subduction Zone event. Finding a home for the firehouse Gearhart to hold another town hall on the issue By Brenna Visser Seaside Signal Gearhart residents can ex- pect to hear more about relo- cating the Gearhart fire station this fall as city officials gear up for a 2019 bond measure. In August, the firehouse committee convened to dis- cuss how to move forward with selecting a location for the firehouse. Three spots will be presented at a town hall in November: the current loca- tion, Gearhart Park and the newly added Highpoint Sta- tion at the corner of Marion Avenue and 13th Street. The current firehouse con- sists of a cinder-block build- ing at 670 Pacific Way, built in 1958, and is considered outdated and vulnerable to earthquake and tsunami. This prompted the discussion of a new location. Geologist Tom Horning, who has served as a consultant for the city and is a Seaside city councilor, said the property is likely to flood even in a moderate tsunami. The new location, which sits at 62 feet above seal lev- el and is the site of a private home, came about after the city went looking for alter- natives to a new firehouse on public parkland — a propos- al that was met with strong pushback at a public forum last year. “It wasn’t really on the ta- ble until about eight months ago,” City Administrator Chad Sweet said. He said the owner of the property said he is interested in selling, but a price has yet to be determined, though he es- timates it could cost about $4 million for the property alone. The goal now is the pre- pare for a town hall in No- vember that goes over the pros and cons of the three sites, which will then bleed into about what the commit- tee calls a “listening phase,” where the city will welcome feedback forms and verbal feedback about the benefits and drawbacks of each space. Through the process, May- or Matt Brown hopes to also drum up support for possible private donations to offset what could be a relatively large bond. “I think the problem with the last town hall is that peo- ple thought (the location) was already decided,” Brown said. “With this one, we want it to show that this is just the be- ginning of the process. We are hear to listen.” After the listening period, the city hopes to decide on a final location by late spring to be prepared for the 2019 No- vember ballot. “This is about finding a public process that aids us in finding a suitable location,” Sweet said. Sets aside $15,000 for building review By R.J. Marx Seaside Signal Gearhart City Staff re- quested $15,000 from the building reserve fund to de- velop renderings and gather information for the fire sta- tion building in Gearhart. The plans will be pre- sented to the public during an upcoming town hall and other meetings. The town hall could come in November or early De- cember, City Administrator Chad Sweet said. “The funds should cover more than what we need,” he said. The design won’t look exactly like the end project, but will provide scale and allow the public to “narrow the conversation and inform people,” City Attorney Peter Watts said. The city currently has more than $185,000 in the building reserve fund. Three locations are under consideration, Sweet said, Highpoint Station at the cor- ner of Marion Avenue and 13th Street; the current loca- tion, Gearhart Park and the newly added Highpoint Sta- Letters from Page 5A position 1. Evidently, I have been labeled as an “outsid- er.” It is true that my lovely wife and I have permanently resided in Gearhart for two years effective Nov. 2. How- ever, we, along with our chil- dren and now their children have enjoyed Gearhart’s quiet presence for over 29 years. We adore Gearhart’s unique- ness and sense of community R.J. MARX Built in 1958 of unreinforced cinderblock, firefighters are pleading for a more resilient building. tion at the corner of Marion Avenue and 13th Street. The goal of the study is to provide options, Mayor Matt Brown said. “The more folks can vi- sualize, the better,” Brown said. “What are some op- tions, and we can decide on one of those locations, then we would do something more detailed.” “We’ll maximize the monies we have,” Sweet said. such that it is my fervent goal, whether elected or not, to ac- tively preserve Gearhart’s cul- ture and its habitat. I would seek, with the help of other council members, to take simple steps to enhance the LIVABILITY and enjoy- ment of all residents giving no regard to special interests. Finally, I wish to clarify my public statements that I am against growth. I am, in fact, against unchecked growth which provides opportunity for a few but at the overall expense of our residents and environment. We all have seen and experienced biased growth which exposes the commu- nity and its environs to com- promising the environment; increased population density requiring increased services and operating expenses; per- haps taxpayer subsidies; and a platform for additional gov- ernment spending hence more taxes. However, I am in favor of well thought out growth which avoids the aforemen- tioned impediments and en- hances Gearhart’s livability and its existing culture; aids and promotes existing local business health; avoids target- ed and unbalanced taxation; and pays its full cost of service which includes any impact to the environment. Thank you! Jack Zimmerman Gearhart THANK YOU, seaside! Hood To Coast / Portland To Coast Relays would like to thank the City of Seaside, Seaside Fire and Rescue, Seaside Police Department, and Seaside Chamber of Commerce for hosting the 37th HTC/PTC Relays Finish Party. Your beautiful city and county were on display this year for participants from all 50 U.S States and 43 countries. We would also like to thank Clatsop County public safety, residents, and businesses for your patience and support. $19,000 will again be donated to Seaside Parks and Recreation. With more than 60,000 individuals visiting Seaside for The Hood and Portland To Coast Relays, this visit represents a first impression to a captive audience that very often leads to future visits for these individuals and their families. This is an economic impact that goes beyond measure and one that can very often be a lifelong development of future memories in your town. Additionally, participants raised a record amount of over $850,000, which benefits Providence Cancer Institute and their continuous efforts to find a cure for cancer. Thank you Seaside, for supporting the race for 29 years in your community! We look forward to many more fantastic race finishes in Seaside. Special thanks to all the amazing charities on course; runners and walkers loved everything you provided, and we hope you continue to raise money for your charities in future years. Looking forward to seeing you all in 2019!