About this time 14 years ago Del and I visited Gig Harbor. We had been looking for a place to move, from where we were living close to Pasadena in Southern California. We walked down Harborview Dr falling in love with the harbor and it's view, sat on the deck at Tides Tavern, took in the beauty of the surroundings and said, "let's move to Gig Harbor!"
I imagine this is the story of a lot of folks who came to Gig Harbor for a visit.
Our business prospered and when the economic slow down came, we found we could also slow down and it became time for us to give back. Give back to the world in celebration of our new home, our good health and loving people we met in Gig Harbor.
Del and I both became involved in volunteer activities. I am so grateful to meet wonderful patients and staff when volunteering at Multicare Oncology. As an artist, I have been so lucky to meet other wonderful Gig Harbor artists. As one of our Arts Commissioners, and a volunteer for the Gig Harbor Film festival, I am fortunate to meet artistic people, and great volunteers all the time. We have a little project called Feel Good Free Art. The purpose was to place little pieces of free art in local businesses and public locations where you might find them, be happy to be in Gig Harbor and visit again and again to that store or park.
What I have really found is that everyone you meet pretty much loves Gig Harbor and everyone, including you, give back to this community. It is an honor to know some of you and see how much you care for our town and the people who live here. Gig Harbor has lots and lots of unsung heros.
There is one common thread for all of us.
When we need to think,
looking for inspiration,
want to spend time with friends
or just enjoy nature..
.we all head down to this gorgeous waterfront, our harbor.
Can you just imagine what the first settlers to Gig Harbor must have thought when they sailed into this beautiful spot of nature....the most beautiful place on earth. To be able to look out at the water and shore and boats. You know, it doesn't get any better.
We all love this waterview of our harbor.
But this view of the water and the boats and the shore is endangered.
Our harbor cannot talk but if it could, perhaps it would say;
"Hey remember me?
You who come to me to enjoy my shoreline,
you who come to me to enjoy nature,
you who come to me for inspiration,
you who come to me for outdoor adventure,
you would come to me for the view...
.I cannot speak for myself. I need you to protect me for generations to come.
I am in trouble and need you to speak for me."
Monday evening, July 22, 5:30pm, in the Council Chambers in the Gig Harbor Civic Center, there is going to be a vote taken on whether to preserve your waterview of our harbor as you walk along Harborview Dr.
It is very simple.
This new zoing change would mean that buildings along our waterfront could change to be 27 feet high, flat roof, 2 story buildings. Changing from a pitched roof to a flat roof design means more square footage, more advantageous to build and this means your view of the waterfront will begin to be covered with buildings.
This first zoning concerns Harborview from about Rosedale to the Green Turtle.
The city has said that in 6 - 9 months it will look at zone changing for Finholm.
There are plans in the city's planning department for Dorotich and Harborview.
This vote on Monday evening could set a precendent for new 2 story, flat roof buildings on the waterside of Harborview.
Once a precedent has been set, it won't take long before those buildings cover the water view from Soundview to Peacock Hill.
Currently, the waterside of Harboview Drive is zoned differently from the uphill side of Harboview Driver.
We all need to stand up for no new zoning rules for Harborview Dr. waterside.
Really, the remaining view of the harbor needs to be protected for your kids and their kids and generations to come.
Don't let anyone say this change is trivial.
To zone for covering up the view of our water is an insult to it's natural beauty.
If it is so trivial, why the big surge to push it through. If no one has asked for it, why do it?
Do we want to model to our kids that buildings are more important than they natural beauty of our harbor?
Are you getting a little angry and don't want to take it any more? Your caring and passion for this harbor is needed, and this is the last chance.
You are needed to fill a seat at the Council meeting,
July 22, 5:30, Council Chambers, Gig Harbor Civic Center
This is the exact case where one person, you, can make a real difference for either keeping the waterview or covering it up with buildings.
Please feel free to share this link with your email list. Our harbor will thank you!
Perhaps you would like to send an email to our Mayor and Council members:
Chuck Hunter, Mayor hunterc@cityofgigharbor.net
Tim Payne tpayne@ema-Inc.com
Michael Perrow perrowm@cityofgigharbor.net
Steve Ekberg
Jill Guernesy guernseyj@cityofgigharbor.net
Paul Kadzik paulkadzik@comcast.net
Ken Malich MalichK@cityofgigharbor.net
Derek Young YoungD@cityofgigharbor.net
Where ever your footsteps take you,
go with great joy
and great kindness to one another!!!
go with great joy
and great kindness to one another!!!
