Big Box Blog

My Word
By Loreen Eliason

I am curious. Why is it that people who move here from other areas, for whatever reason, want to turn our area into one like they just left? What’s that all about? Why did you all move here?

I have read so many letters to the editor from folks who moved up here from the south who are now crying for a big box store, a strip mall, cheap goods and development! Waaaah! Yes, the Arkleys have done much for this area, but I also question their motives. Is it a smokescreen? They can well afford to donate and renovate and entrench themselves with their money. It seems to be working, as so many people seem ready to approve anything they do at this point, just because of what they have given to Eureka. It seems the smokescreen is working. Throw them a bone! Divide and conquer!

I wrote a letter to the Eureka City Council on Feb. 6 regarding the “Marina Project.” While I believe the tract should be developed, I don’t believe Home Depot should be included. On Feb. 7, I was faxed a response from one council member who literally fell all over himself praising the Arkleys to the point of making me ill. Three pages of blather convinced me that this project needs to be a full county-decided issue, not just a Eureka city issue.

I own a business in Southern Humboldt, which is south of Eureka for all of you who just moved here, and what happens on the Balloon Tract will also directly affect me. I do all my shopping in Eureka for my business and I find everything I need very nicely, thank you. Today I’m going to Pierson’s or Shafer’s to buy all new lamps for my rooms. They both have a wonderful selections! Then I will go to Cash and Carry, Costco, Kmart and probably have lunch at the Cafe Waterfront.

If it’s a nice day, I’ll go see Bill at the zoo. I love Eureka just the way it is!

Loreen Eliason owns the Riverwood Inn in Phillipsville.

The opinions expressed in My Word pieces do not necessarily reflect the editorial viewpoint of the Times-Standard.

Posted by at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (37) | TrackBacks (0)

My Word by Mike Jones

Something strikes me as very odd when someone like a David Cobb, a short-time resident of Eureka, calls for citizens to “generate a little ... heat on our City Council members.” This rhetoric, seemingly more fitting for an Iraq war debate than a local rezone project, came about after we as a council voted democratically (4-1) to allow a public participation process to proceed on the Balloon Track proposal.

Indeed, Mr. Cobb as never called nor spoken to me regarding the “temperature” of our city, so I don't know what to expect from his army of heat-seeking pundits. What does that really mean, “generate a little heat?” Does it intend to provoke angry and fanatical debate? Is it a call to demonize council members? Am I to believe that this is a veiled threat? Will our local arsonist find it challenging? I have a lot of questions, Mr. Cobb, and I would like to know just exactly what you mean by “generate a little heat.”

The significance of the Balloon Track is unquestioned, and I look forward to the extensive public review and discussion which will continue on the proposed Marina Center project. I have been so proud to see the community come out to our council meetings in great numbers, and express their views in a strong, but civil manner. The ensuing public dialogue from those with differing visions is one which I hope will offer new ideas or innovative solutions for our council to consider on this strategic piece of private property. The fact that so many people are involved and participating is a testament to the importance of the Balloon Track development to our city and the region.

Of course, our community is changing rapidly, both through our transitioning economy and our shifting demographics. With change, often comes hard questions and tough debate and difficult decision making. And it is a time when, I believe, a changing community must be tolerant of each other's views if civil debate and constructive processes are to move forward. The type of inciting and provocative rhetoric espoused by Mr. Cobb does nothing but work to divide our community more deeply than it already is.

Mike Jones represents the 5th Ward on the Eureka City Council.

The opinions expressed in My Word pieces do not necessarily reflect the editorial viewpoint of the Times-Standard.

Posted by at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (1316) | TrackBacks (0)

My Word by Brian Morrissey

I’m writing to emphasize that there is a public process in place for real estate projects such as the Marina Center. Security National Properties is exceeding those requirements for community involvement in the process.

The first step in the public process occurred on Feb. 7 and 9, when the Eureka City Council held public hearings as part of its decision to consider zoning changes for the Balloon Tract from “public” to various commercial designations. The first meeting on Feb. 7 was so well attended that the City Council continued the meeting on Feb. 9, to provide additional opportunities for the community to voice its opinions for and against the proposed zoning changes. The purpose of that extended meeting was for the City Council to decide only whether to review proposals for zoning changes; it was not to approve or decline the zoning changes, or the Marina Center project itself.

Following the City Council’s decision to review petitions for Balloon Tract zoning changes, Security National Properties could have immediately submitted its General Plan Amendment on to the City Council for review. Instead, the company hosted an open house on Feb. 16, at the Wharfinger Building, where proponents and opponents of the Marina Center alike could obtain information and ask project applicants and subject-matter experts any questions about the project. There was no requirement for Security National Properties to host the open house; we did this to provide additional opportunities for the public to comment on the project and ask questions.

Representatives from Security National Properties, The Home Depot, and architectural, environmental, economic and traffic consultants were freely accessible to discuss any questions, concerns and suggestions at the open house. In fact, the attorney for the Humboldt Baykeepers quizzed our environmental consultants at great length. Security National Properties also provided questionnaires for attendees to fill out, as another means of ensuring that all opinions were received. The questionnaires revealed an 82 percent approval rating (10 percent opposed and 8 percent were undecided) for the Marina Center project. Security National Properties is incorporating many of the excellent suggestions received at the open house into a revised design of the Marina Center.

Security National Properties’ open house contrasts sharply with an earlier Marina Center opposition open house. The opposition invited the public to attend, lectured them for about an hour and then asked those who support the Marina Center or are undecided to leave so that they could hold a closed meeting. During that meeting they threatened to litigate throughout the process, apply heat to local officials and stop the Marina Center at any cost. Clearly we have different opinions on what “community involvement” means.

Going forward, there will be many more opportunities for community involvement in the Marina Center project. For example, Security National Properties is planning a second open house in March to focus on environmental topics. Again, there is no requirement for the company to do this, but it reflects our strong desire to involve and partner with the community throughout the planning and development of the Marina Center. Security National Properties will continue to hold topical open houses throughout the process.

As part of the Marina Center development process, the city of Eureka is required to prepare an Environmental Impact Report to determine whether the proposed Marina Center may have a significant effect on the environment. As part of its agreement with the city, Security National Properties will pay the expenses for a third-party consulting firm to conduct a comprehensive environmental, economic and traffic-impact study under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The public will be able to review the third-party consultant’s study and comment on it as well as the Marina Center project at Planning Department and City Council public hearings.

Finally, Security National Properties is more than willing to meet with concerned citizens and organizations about the Marina Center and its impact on the future of Eureka. To schedule a meeting or to voice opinions, ask questions or provide suggestions about the Marina Center, please e-mail us at info@marinacenter.org. We welcome public input and will take it under consideration.

 Brian Morrissey is senior vice president for Security National Properties. His home is in Omaha, Neb.

The opinions expressed in My Word pieces do not necessarily reflect the editorial viewpoint of the Times-Standard.

Posted by at 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)