On Development and New Bridges

There seems to be a growing concern that we might have reason to be worried about our beloved Hood River Bridge --face it, us Washingtonians feel that it is ours, we paid for it after all. The concern is that it is the under water structure subjected to 5 knot current of chemical soup for the past 85 years or so may not be in the best of shape.
I share this concern, especially in light of what happened in Minneapolis to what seemed to be a pretty solid bridge. One can only imagine what would happen if this bridge fell into the river.

However, I am also concerned that a freeway style replacement bridge would open up the floodgates, encouraging rampant growth on our side of this magnificent gorge. Everyone on this side has friends on that side who hesitate to come over here to visit because of the toll, the shakiness, the narrowness or whatever. We know that we are lucky to have that wonderful, scenic trip to enjoy when we go shopping for big stuff.

So if you are concerned about our side becoming high density townhouse land don't be in such a hurry for a new bridge. At least be ready to do your part to make sure it is of a reasonable scale.

More Hood River Bridge Studies!!

Anonymous asked us to post this:

Question to WDOT:

If I recall, it was 1994 that WDOT began studies to see about replacing the Hood River Bridge which crosses from White Salmon Highway 14 to Hood River, Oregon I-84. What happened to the plans to replace the bridge? In the past couple of years, the Port of Hood River, which owns the bridge built in 1928, has slapped a new deck on it, a layer of new paint and lets everyone cross it say a prayer that they will make it across.It seems as though the plans you had to replace it went into a back file when you began plans to build a new bridge between Portland and Vancouver. I want to know what happened to plans for our bridge replacement.

WDOT Answer:

My name is Karyn Anderson and I've been forwarded your email in hopes that I can provide you with some information. You are correct, there was a study completed on SR-35 Hood River Bridge.The study that I'm referencing was called the SR 35 Columbia River Crossing Project. Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council(RTC), the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) proposed to build a new bridge that would cross the Columbia River between Hood River, Oregon and White Salmon, Washington.

Three alternative alignments were under consideration during this Draft Environmental Impact Statement study(DEIS). The SR-35 Columbia River Crossing project also received an earmark to complete an Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). RTC is currently working to organize meetings and get discussions started regarding the SR-35 Columbia River Crossing FEIS and how best to move forward. These meetings will include local agencies and state departments of transportation from both Oregon and Washington. I've included RTC's website in which you can obtain an electronic copy of the earlier study findings.

http://rtc.wa.gov/Studies/SR35/

I've also placed a phone call to Dale Robins (RTC) who was involved on the earlier study and he is available to help answer any questions. You can reach Dale at the above email address or if you prefer you can call him at (360) 397-6067. I've also included my contact information below as well.

Thank you and I hope this information is helpful,

Karyn Anderson Southwest Region WSDOT Box 1709 Vancouver, WA 98668-1709 Phone (360) 905-2080; Fax (360) 905-2098 andersonk@wsdot.wa.gov<mailto:andersonk@wsdot.wa.gov>

Why Does White Salmon/Klickitat Co. want the Mega Destination & Housing Resort?

And we don't even get the tax base, just more traffic and pollution.

The devil is in the development details AND WHO PRESENTS OR PREDICTS THEM (like full-time paid development lobbyists?) Exactly how many new cars will be on the road between the proposed Broughton/SDS Destination Resort at the Hatchery during the summer? What is this going to do for commerce in White Salmon?

Exactly how many permanent living wage jobs will be created? And who is going to follow up that they actually did? Will they be low pay service sector jobs such as cleaners and grass cutters. Skamania lodge (a federally subsidized development) has a hard time keeping the kids at the jobs, and the adults have no place to live. Where are the workers going to live in Klickitat? How far are they going to have to drive? There sure isn't any workforce housing available in Underwood. One can see perhaps out of work orchard workers from Hood River valley crossing the bridge every day. Gosh, we may get a new bridge out of this!

And How many of the 150-200 proposed permanent residents are going to drive up Doc Grade and pay 7.5% sales tax to ACE hardware when they can zoom across the HR bridge for $1.20 (without stopping anymore) and go to Roseauers and Highschool in the heights as easily?

What about the nascent Arts Community in White Salmon? Face it. Most of the arts community are hobbiests and aren't forced to make their living at their crafts. Hoping that the well heeled tourists will come up and buy art is not promoting living wage jobs. Instead of endorsing the Mega Resort Development as good for the citizens of White Salmon the city would be wiser to spend its money on signage on highway 14 and I-84 to promote the town's art. The added traffic from this development is not good for the natural environment of the gorge, or for our town in general.

Open Letter to (Ex) County Commissioner Struck on the Husum/BZ Plan:

Received from Anonymous:

Thanks, Don Struck, for proving our points. I'm sure we all appreciate your
advice to get informed. Isn't that what we've been asking you and your
Planning Commission to do? Come to White Salmon and HELP us get informed on
the plan? Thanks, too, for telling us that the lawyers say you have to
remove yourself from the discussions about the Husum/BZ Plan since you have
a conflict of interest.

We knew you did, but it's nice to hear it from you.
So who are you going to appoint to be your proxy on the Commission? Do you
all really think it's going to be okay to approve this plan to make you rich
just because you aren't on the Board? And what about your friend Rick
Graves? Shouldn't he have removed himself from the Planning Commission?

We the Blog Editors say:
The plan should come back to the Husum/BZ Council for revision, before the BOCC holds a hearing. People should should quickly contact the Council members (politely and with offers of help) and ask them to withdraw the Plan. Also contact County Commissioners with the same request.
Husum/BZ Council:

1. Jerry Smith, 493-1934. Chairman. PO Box 221, Husum, WA 98623
2. Bill Anderson, 493-3022.
3. Billy Gross, 493-4970.George Mersereau, 493-2590.
4. Jim Fritchey, 493-3175.
5. Kenny Burrill ,493-2240
6. John Riggleman, 493-1527

The Husum Council, at their meeting on August 7, refused to consider withdrawing the plan, so the September 6 heaing is on.

Board of County Commissioners, Klickitat County 205 S. Columbus Goldendale, WA 98620
Fax 509-773-6779 .

Donations are needed for legal and expert assistance.
Send donations to:
Friends of the White Salmon River p.o. Box 382,
Trout Lake, Washington 98650

16 Concerned Citizens Show Up to Round Table With White Salmon City Council

In the first of what are supposed to be round table with the city council, approximately 16 citizens showed up to yak with the city council. Almost all of the councilors were there: Susan Gookin, Mayor Francis Gaddis, Brad Roberts, John Mayo and Timi Keene. Tom Smith from city works was there also. Ricky Marx reportedly had car trouble and was absent.

The circle was comprised of all of the councilors on one side except Mayo who was in with 'the people" around the rest of the circle. Councilor Brad Roberts, in his usual gruff way opened with "Well, here we are, any questions?". Mayo interjected with a plug for this blog, stating that it was great format for dialogue (we think so). Then the citizens, given a free rein at last, began to voice a series of concerns, questions and solutions.

The exchange was free flowing and open between the citizens themselves and Mayo, Roberts and Keene, with Keene taking the lead on almost all responses. Gaddis and Gookin were noticeably silent.

Among issues brought up was the apparent massive 30,000 gal./day water leak from the city swimming pool. A great discussion followed including Mayo's idea of a parks and recs levy district to help pay for the pool in a wider area. Another was the filling up of parking spaces downtown by downtown business employees. Crashes at the bottom of Dock Grade was discussed. The treacherous middle turn out from the park and ride was hashed out. The issue of the actual price on the 'cottages' of the Wyers End (Tim' s Trailer Park) and workforce housing was brought up.

When a citizen asked if the round table was going to be a regular occurrence Councilor Keene pointed out that if she had been there she would have heard Mayor Gaddis read the statement that this was to happen before every regular council meeting. Wake up, citizen.

In sum, it was good for the citizens to hear from each other and voice a few of their concerns and ideas for solutions. It was a fairly non-threatening environment. Highly recommended to attend, even if you are a shy person.

Yes! The County Commissioners Have Listened!

Husum/BZ Corner Sub-Plan Hearing has been rescheduled to be held on Thursday, September 6 at the Pioneer Center beginning at 1 PM.
Please try to make it to the hearing to express your concerns on the scope and planning of this very large change to our little county.

Kudos to WS City Council for Posting Meetings Minutes

Thank you guys. This makes it much easier for us folks to participate and stay informed. You have promised the draft minutes be posted within 4 working days. What will Jesse have to report on? wink wink.
You have also posted the agendas. No more trips to the post office to wade through the announcements on the wall. Just notice the date on the list, cause they have the previous year up too. SEE THE DIRECT LINKS ON THIS PAGE TO THE RIGHT. For you convenience.

HOW ABOUT POSTING THE PLANNING AND COUNCIL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS TOO, since the agendas often aren't put out until quite late.

We also notice that WILL KEYSER is still listed as the Planning Director. Is this a fact? How about putting the current commissioners on the city website as well?

Postpone the August 9 Hearing on the BZ-Husum Sub-Plan!

We need to have the Klickitat County Commissioners and the planners present an INFORMATIONAL meeting to the public. And do it on the WEST SIDE! We need to slow down the process to get the needed environmental, traffic, economic and water studies done before a change of this magnitude goes through. Let the people help the county and the Husum Community Council achieve a plan that will not go to court and/or be sent back to them. The plan has been more or less continuously under revision or litigation since 1986, apparently. It's time for people to work together on a plan that will stick.

PLEASE CALL AND FAX the Husum Community Council and the Klickitat County Commisioners and request a POSTPONEMENT OF THE AUGUST 9 HEARING in Goldendale.

County Commissioners
Donald G Struck District 1
David Sauter District 2
Ray Thayer District 3

205 S Columbus,MS-CH-4Goldendale, WA 98620
Fax: 509 773-6779 Phone: 509 773-4612
Email: bocc@co.klickitat.wa.us

Husum Community Council:
Jerry Smith, 493-1934. (Chairman).
Bill Anderson, 493-3022.
Billy Gross, 493-4970.
George Mersereau, 493-2590
Jim Fritchey, 493-3175.
Jim Rhodes?

More on White Salmon Town Hall Meetings: Why Didn't Councilors Come?

Anonymous sent this to the editors:

I have been waiting for someone to refute the following: "The problem with more council members showing up as opposed to just Ricky is that you end up (by law I believe) having a council meeting and must adhere to their procedures, of which is what I assume you guys were trying to get away from. So really, in t

he interest of free flowing exchanges of idea, wasn't it best for you that none of the other council members showed up? But again I am not sure what your CONCERNS are, other than not being heard.........that means there are issues you want the council to hear and those issues are what I am trying to get from you."

But no one has. First a town hall meeting as advertised for discussion (no decision making) and is allowable for everyone to attend. Hog wash on all this bull.... from the city attorney about no more than 2 councilors at a time or it is a meeting. No, decision making was not a part of the process. Check with other authorities such as MRSC, and other local attorneys. Do you not believe that this was researched before the meeting was called? Relying on "the attorney's advice" is a remark the council members need to remove from their vocabulary and begin to think for themselves. Perhaps the city could be in better shape than it is, financially, comprehensive plan, (now years out of date) zoning wise, water hookups, (they'll sue, the lawyers that violated the codes in the first place) short plates, variances, and yes, the police situation that is yet to be decided.

Second, special to this remark, "interest of free flowing exchanges of idea, wasn't it best for you that none of the other council members showed up?" The answer is NO. Council members needed to witness honesty, truth and proper exchange of ideas. Third, what a brush off, "Your Concerns- not being heard-- Get from you?" The councilors elected in 2005 have proven to be a huge disappointment! Thanks, Ricky, I believe your point was made with this latest policy, mandate, whatever it is that will happen at 5 p.m. before the formal council meetings. A rather illogical time. Well, it is a set up for failure with poor planning.

White Salmon City Council Institutes Round Table Meeting Before Each Regular Meeting

In a positive move toward encouraging more citizen participation, the city council has decided to hold round table town hall meetings before each city council meeting. The city council meetings are every first and third Wednesday at 6 pm at the fire hall. The town hall meetings will be at 5 pm and last for 45 minutes. They will be set up in a more informal arrangement than the rather intimidating 'public comment' portion of the regular meetings.

This time frame may be problematic for many of the working public, not to mention the councilors themselves and the public hoping to attend the regular meeting who hope to eat supper first. It also may take some time for folks to be aware of this new opportunity. If this forum is less than well attended we hope that the Mayor and the City Council does not interpret this as apathy. Let us believe this is not a set-up and that this is a gesture in good faith.

In another good gesture, the council voted to have the draft minutes of the last meeting up on the city's web page within 4 working days. A meeting attendee requested they post the upcoming agendas as well. This blog is currently posting the upcoming agendas on the link to the right as well as the council's web page.

Gookin Returns to City Council at Least til November

On a 3-0 vote (Mayor Gaddis doesn't vote), Susan Gookin was returned to city council. Gookin has been on the council before and was beat by Timi Keene two years ago. Graciously, Keene voted her in to fill Susan Benedicts term until November. Benedict still had 2 years left. Leana Johnson interviewed valiantly for the position. Hopefully she will file for the general election. Perhaps all of Gookin's volanteer work on the budget committee was in her favor.

So 3 out of 5 positions PLUS the Mayor are up for vote this November!

Note that ALL terms in White Salmon are 4 years. Seems like a long time for this small town.

Bob Landgren (who owns the nursery on the waterfront) has filed for John Mayo's position.
Dave Poucher (retired forester) has filed to run against Mayor Francis Gaddis (business owner Hood River).
Susan Benedict's (now Gookin's) position will be open. Filing closes July 23.
Ricki Marx's (local roofing business owner) position is open and Susan Gookin (Stevenson computer business owner) has filed for it.

Hard to keep up with it all. If anyone has any updated info, please let us know!

Public Meeting on 20,000 Acre Husum/BZ Corner Rezoning

Proposed Klickitat County Rezoning would affect 20,000 acres and would make possible hundreds of new homes & hotels & destination resorts lining Hwy 141 from the mouth of the WhiteSalmon River to 3 miles north of BZ Corners.

Are you curious about the impact …?
• on traffic
• of hundreds of new wells and septic tanks
• on fish and wildlife
• on fire danger
• on rafting and recreational use

Please join us for an informational meeting sponsored by the
Concerned Citizens group.

When: NEXT WEDNESDAY, July 25, 7 pm
Where: WHITE SALMON LIBRARY

Questions? Contact Beth McCullough (509) 493-2685

Don't Forget WS Town Hall Tonight

6:30 PM, WHITE SALMON GRANGE HALL

Ricki Marx WS City Councilor called this meeting to fascilitate a dialog.

Check Out 14 More Lots on Salmon Run

It takes committment to keep up with all of the development going on. The editors apologize for not previously including the 14 lots stacked up against the hospital. We hope that the NEW WHITE SALMON PLANNING COMMISSIONER, BILL MASON takes a good squint at it (see the New Developments link to the right). This is the reality of R-3 zoning density. We doubt that this little rural town needs any more of this. The problem is that 'following the ordinance' can result in this ridiculous extreme. Is this what we really want?

Check out the Pucker Huddle Subdivisions

We obtained the preliminary diagram for the new "Hatfield Estates" in Pucker Huddle. The intent is for a 38-lot subdivision. The bare hillside where the trees have been removed can be seen from the other side of the White Salmon, up Cook-Underwood road. Check out our link on "New Development Layouts" on the right side of this page .

Rumor has it that there is an open house for "Salmon Run" on Thursday, June 21 st, 11- 2 pm. A free lunch too!! (Oops! Just heard from a reader of this blog that they cancelled. Maybe next week. Stay tuned)