SAN JUAN ISLANDER EDITORIAL
More communication essential about Memorial Park Project
By Sharon Kivisto
posted 11/04/04
Covering the news in San Juan County, I attend a lot of meetings. As a result I hear a variety of views on topics. On the same topic, different groups raise different concerns. Often all of the concerns are valid and could likely be resolved by better cooperation and communication between the agencies. Unfortunately, often that doesn't happen. A case in point is the Memorial Park project.
The Town of Friday Harbor is proceeding with a $270,000 renovation of the park. Washington State Ferries, the San Juan Ferry Advisory Committee and the Board of County Commissioners have expressed strong concerns about the impact on traffic flow. But the town has not consulted with any of them about the issue.
A dozen officials and staff members of Washington State Ferries held the most recent FAC meeting in Friday Harbor last month. Two county commissioners and the state Secretary of Transportation were there. Not a single representative of the town attended.
To complicate the situation, town staff has compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the project. The Town Council may not even be aware the document exists. The council cannot discuss the issue with any member of the public until after the shoreline permit hearing. Unfortunately, the document is not completely accurate.
For example: the FAQ sheet says: "Is the redesign going to result in the elimination of on-street parking? This has not yet been decided by the Town Council."
At their Oct. 25, 2004 meeting the council was told at least two parking spaces will have to be eliminated in order to enable trucks to manuever around the corner. They agreed.
WSF officials have repeatedly stated the traffic flow in Friday Harbor is in danger of affecting the level of service. The longer it takes to load and unload, the less trips that can be made. Just ask SJFAC chair Bob Distler if the problem is real.
The FAQ sheet deals with the issue this way:
"Could we lose some level of ferry service because of the Memorial Park redesign?
Adjusting for traffic flow to meet the needs of any community is a complicated task. Rarely is there only a single option for improving documentable problems. And equally rare is it that any option will come without considerable pain to one interest group or another. None of the several agencies involved with the Intermodal Study, or any other report or communication between the parties has identified Memorial Park, or its redesign, as an impediment to future transportation developments.
Recently, however, some individuals locally have expressed a fear that the park redesign could have a negative effect on ferry service to the island. Their concerns are not unreasonable, for the redesign certainly does not improve traffic flow. However, given the planning and testing that the Memorial Park Steering Committee and Town staff conducted, and given the extensive public discussion that has taken place as part of our local government process, and finally, due to the absence of documentation substantiating detrimental outcomes associated with the completion of the redesign project, the Town feels it is prudent to proceed with the renovation as planned."
The FAQ sheet also erroneously states the public has had plenty of opportunity to express their concerns or opinions on the project. The decision to proceed was made Oct. 25. The topic was not on the agenda. The conversation was an off-the-cuff discussion at the end of the meeting. Business owners did not find out parking would be reduced until they read it in San Juan Islander.
There has to be a better way to deal with issues.This decision affects more than just town residents. Communicating with others impacted by their decisions should be a priority of the Friday Harbor Town Council.
SAN JUAN ISLANDER EDITORIAL
Historical Preservation is valuable, but so is common sense
By Sharon Kivisto
posted 10/18/04
Historic preservation is a great idea. Adding a strong dose of commonsense to decisions regarding historic preservation is essential. The decision by the Friday Harbor Historic Preservation Board and four of the five Town Council members regarding changes to Memorial Park is flawed and may result in more harm than good in the long run.
The estimated $275,000 project will move the circle a few feet up the hill. The new perimeter will impede truck traffic unless at least two parking spaces are removed in front of the Ale House. The stop sign in front of the Front Street Cafe will have to be relocated. How this can be done and still allow a motorist to be able to see oncoming traffic has not been figured out yet.
A suggestion by Councilmember Debbie Emery to have a traffic engineer determine if the idea is feasible was turned down by the other four councilmembers. Councilmember Howie Rosenfeld didn't think consultation with an expert was a good idea. "We might not want to hear what he has to say," he said.
This lack of common sense follows a similar situation regarding the Sunshine Alley restroom project. The majority of the council insisted the building's cinder blocks had to be preserved. The cost of the project skyrocketed to a total of $470,740 as a result.
Ironically the blocks (shown in the photo), the only historical part of the building - the rest of the structure was demolished - are covered with stucco and are not visible. A little common sense could have been used in the decision-making process. It should be noted, Emery was not on the council when the decision was made and Councilmember Wally Gillette repeatedly questioned the wisdom of the project.
What message does the restroom project and the upcoming Memorial Park project send to residents? Such ill-conceived projects do not increase support for the idea of historic preservation. It just builds resentment and detracts from the accomplishments of the Friday Harbor Historic Preservation Board.
Going ahead with an expensive project without adequate research doesn't make sense. There is no reason to rush to change the park. If anything there are overwhelming reasons to hold off on any changes.
The Town Council and the Board of County Commissioners sent a joint letter to Washington State Ferries stating their committment to improving traffic flow in Friday Harbor. Mayor Gary Boothman opposed the letter and signed his name and the word opposed on the letter.
The change to the park will most likely increase the amount of time it takes to unload a ferry. WSF staff has repeatedly warned town and county officials, San Juan Island is in danger of losing a ferry sailing if the traffic flow is not improved. This is not an idle threat. A ferry is in service for a certain number of hours per day. The longer it takes to complete a run, fewer fit in the time allotted.
Despite the commitment to work together, Councilmembers Gillette, Rosenfeld, Brooks, and David Jones decided to move forward with the changes to Memorial Park. "It won't make it any worse, than it is now," Rosenfeld said.
It makes much more sense to look at the big picture and find a way to enhance the park in a way that dovetails with an overall plan. There is no urgent need to do anything to the park. Spending more than a quarter of a million dollars on a project with so many unanswered questions is ludicrous.
Memorial Park is an important part of this county's history and the memorial is a fine tribute to the islanders who lost their lifes in World War I. Maybe someday a plan can be devised which enhances the park and doesn't impede traffic. Until that time leave the park alone.
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