Jimmy's Ward Report's Ward 1 Report Sept. 12 2007 - Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Report from September 11th Council MeetingDevelopment Debate Continues
The Council discussed whether to enter into a partnership with Landmark Atlantic, a developer who had earlier this year made a presentation to develop the 3200 block of Rhode Island Ave (Bass Liquor, Thrifty Rental Car, etc.)
I continue to oppose this exclusive partnership with Landmark. The attorney for another developer, Bob Holland, came to the meeting and presented a letter indicating that Holland has sales contracts on all the properties in question (see attached letter). He asked that Holland be allowed to address the Council and present his vision for what should be done on the block. Unfortunately the majority of the Council did not want to talk to him directly and instead wants to work with Landmark Atlantic even though they do not have any control over any of the properties in question.
Some people in the audience expressed concerns that Holland’s plans include the building of a hotel in Mt. Rainier. I have the same concerns but think we should at least hear Holland out and give him our input on his plans before we reject them outright . He owns (or at least controls) the properties and we should see if we can work with him as opposed to working with another developer who does not own or control any of the properties.
I feel this exclusive agreement with Landmark will only delay the needed development in our downtown area and may get us involved in expensive litigation if we try and stop Holland without at least hearing him out and seeing whether we can work with him.
The partnership agreement will be voted on first on Sept 18th and then again on Oct 2. I hope you let me, the other Council person in the ward, Alta Morton (altamm1@yahoo.com), and Mayor Miles (mayormiles@gmail.com) know how you feel.
Traffic Calming Devices (speed bumps, one way streets, etc.)
At a public hearing the Council heard comments and discussed putting speed bumps/humps on the 3800 block of 31st St. and the 3100 to 3300 blocks of Perry Sts. as well as a slightly raised crosswalk on 32nd and Bunker Hill. The Council heard a number of residents discuss speeding cars and safety concerns on those blocks. The Council also discussed alternatives to street bumps (making streets one way, portable speed bumps, etc.). The Council will decide how to proceed at the next work session which is scheduled for Sept 18th.
A number of residents in Ward 1 have expressed the need for traffic calming devices on their streets. But before the Council can take action, it is necessary for residents in 60% of the houses on the street in question to sign a petition asking for a speed bump, etc. I would be glad to send out a petition and even go around and circulate the petition if there are people interested in getting a traffic calming device installed on their street. Please let me know and I’ll try and help out but it is necessary for you and your neighbors to get involved.
Corn Bin at 3601 Bunker Hill Road
Members of the Mt. Rainier Corn Cooperative (POPCorn) have asked the town if they can install a corn bin behind 3601 Bunker Hill Ave. which is where the tool shed is located. The corn cooperative sounds like a good idea. The corn bin will be used to store up to 20 tons of corn which will be used by residents who own corn stoves. A corn stove burns corn as fuel. Many corn stoves look similar to wood stoves. The corn used looks like feed corn. This corn burns at a high temperature, has little to no smell and is the most efficient way to heat your home. With gas/oil prices rising, the use of corn stoves has grown. There are 10 residents who now belong to the corn cooperative but the number is expected to grow. The bin will not interfere with city operations and will not cost the city any money. If it does not work out, the cooperative will remove the bin with no cost to the city. The only real question that came up is whether the back of 3601 Bunker Hill Ave. might also be used for recreational purposes (it is now being used by the Extreme Teen Center). I support the installation of the corn bin but would like it moved to the back of the lot so we can use utilize as much as the space as possible for future recreational programs. If you’re interested in knowing more about the corn cooperative, please e-mail Jodi-Beth McCain (jbmccain@verizon.net).
City Hires Assistant City Manager
The city has just hired Michael Jackson to fill the position of Assistant City Manager. This position has been vacant for over nine months and in a small town like ours, it is critical that we fill every position as soon as we can. Mr. Jackson is a Mt. Rainier resident who has experience in budgeting, personnel management, and inventory accountability. We look forward to his working with the city.