Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/15/2016 00 Misc. Distributed at MeetingPlaza Comments received (after March 81h) March 14, 2016 Sandra Belzer — sandJbeIzer@ch8i:tgr, net I teach classes that teach among other things how to listen to words and thl As I listened to the presentation and to questions and answers, I was very concerned about the vagueness often used. Could -should -might -pledge -intent - and more are words used when a hard answer may not bode well. This was alarming to me. Also alarming is the'poof a $750,000 short fall disappears. How does that happen in real numbers? Was Peter robbed to pay Paul? When is this shuffi� going to bite us and where? From the presentation --amazing sidewalk improvements in Seattle. Is that included in our plan? We 'could' have a skating rink --is that part of the plan? And the amazing pictures of what we can do, one magnificent piece from here and another from there. Are all of these feasable in this plan and are they to size or would we have a scaled down or partial version? Are all a part of the bid? It seems that the word 'could' was often used. How much of this is in the budget and how much is just trickery designed to make folks think they will get more than is actually a part of the plan? What is the real bill with interest? If we must borrow, can we really afford this? How do we really pay it back? Also, it would have been nice if the total annual ;n,xpenses ($400,000) would have been given instead of just physical maintanance. It seemed a little disengenuous to ignore the utility costs. The quarter mile I walked was from the back of the nearest parking lot. How are people really going to need to walk? Angle parking is proven to be dangerous. Why would we bring it back? One person stated we just do not parallel park well, leaving too much space. So paint lines. Often folks park according to what is in front or behind them at the time, When a large vehicle leaves and a small one replaces it, it gives the illusion that someone did a shoddy job of parking. I I AM APPALLED that council voted down the motion to close the parking lot for two weeks to see what life will really be like. What are you afraid of? It seems at least one of you is so convinced we should follow through come hell or high waters, that truth is undesirable. Have you no concern for the existing businesses? That is a very sad and shameful state of affairs, a slap in the face How much is being paid to the business owners who actually set up the LID? How is it that the city thinks they can just steal this property or property right? Have any of you thought this through? Without their permission and financial settlement, this is an immoral decision. It is also one that could prove to be very expensive. Other deception includes a comparison to a Wenatchee Plaza. This does not exist, as it is a warehouse. As to Walla Walla, businesses have moved because of a lack of parking (and yes, I personally know this). It is the one thing they lack and are vocal about. Do you know of any plaza that has been successful without parking? You may be able to draw folks in for events, but are they likely to return if they cannot park within easy walking distance (honest estimates only)? Are you willing to lose existing businesses in hopes that others will pop up and thrive? Do you really think that'they'will come for business that only thrives during an event? For you to make this decision without a (promised) study on the alternative plaza, a plan that increases parking, the necessary element for success, is simply not right. This plan deserves a study session and the people should have the final decision. How can you possibly make a reasonable decision without studying the alternative? Please do the right thing and look at both plans with open minds. Strongly consider the value of the current businesses and do what is best for all. March 12, 2016 Craig Carroll — cra[golltq4��-rp, I'm the owner of the Spoils Center, my wife and I invested $500,00 into the Sports Center which was retirement money. We don't have money like some of the businesses that want the plaza. We are currently doing just fine with tile parking the way it is. Should you move to build this it will more than likely put us out of business . I remember the meeting that we had at Mickey s pub where several of you including the mayor said you were against it. All we have in life is our word and if we lose that we have nothing. Please Please no plaza , we can't withstand the punch, please. Amy Maib — mayrn6ib yahoo�corn I personally am against the Plaza. I don't express my opinion all over social media so I am glad to express it here. New businesses won't open downtown because there won't be enough parking spaces close enough to allow for the permit to actually open the business. Please put this to a vote for the people of Yakima to choose. March 11, 2016 Doug Harrington — dopehapmv.com leave the plaza parking area as is... it is the hub • downtown parking!T!! 11111111. At the very least vote • it... who do • think you are making these changes. •o are supposed to be • voice... not • own Michelle Roberson - michelljemaygta aol. com I strongly disagree With the idea • replacing the very limited • • parking we have downtown and replacing it with a plaza. Please leave the parking we have alone and add more parking spaces. Alma •, — almainvakima@gmail.com I recently went to the eastside •I Yakima to `• • I was appalled at the crumbling, '• and uneven sidewalks, the derelict housings and the poverty of the people. But there were new mint condition handicap access at tile curbs of these same sidewalks that even 1, with two healthy legs had trOUble walking on. The inequality of infrastructure in our city is apparent biased to the wealthier sections of town which is not why we have government. We are suppose to pool •. tax •• and • to provide equitable living standards throughout • communities. Why •• more • into downtown to • •u Why would any • feel safe in the • area when there are • sleeping on the streets and grassy areas, broken car glass on the streets where they park, and killings in the nearby bars? Fix the infrastructure first before you put on the lipstick on Yakima. Janet •- — As a citizen of 35 years in Yakima who contributes in meaningful ways to our community ( being employed, volunteering for YSOrchestra and Chorus, partaking in citywide events, subscribing to the YHR, being an ambassador of Yakima when out of town and more) I've followed with interest the unfolding of the Plaza conception. About 1 year ago I submitted a letter to the editor suggesting that further study be done on implementing a multi level garage on • half of the proposed site with the= entire ground level being a beautifully integrated covered area for the plaza. Interestingly enough a local realtor and colleagues submitted an alternate conception later that year that was akin to m brainstorming. I question the costs for a garage but feel that people's concerns are more about displaced parking than the plaza cost. Since attending the meeting last Tuesday however, I was pleased to get a much better understanding • the adjustments already made to create more parking in surrounding areas as well as being mindful of • MORE as the need aris from the assumed •'• th in downtown. I attended the Fresh •• Festival last ' w need a crystal ball to make decisions. Take a leap of faith and be proud of how you landed your seat on this city council - that the future of our town rests in yo vision and backbone. Thank you for creating this platform for us to communicate our voice to you - clearly there wasn't time at the well attended meeting for all to speak I Kenneth Bennett While it would be a great addition to the city I think it is rather like adding a room to your house while the rest of it is failing down. Make repairs first. Things like park updates and safety come to mind. When I was small Yakima had four parks with pools that were clean and safe, with many fewer people. How many do we now? And what parks are safe, other than Franklin? Yet Yakima has pledged millions in public/private soccer fields and aquatic center. Who pays for these? And how does a low income family benefit? I am middle class, own my own home and live comfortably, But, I do care for my fellow citizens. Let children feel safe and have fun in their neighborhoods. Let thern be proud of their community. Once we have these basics fixed then we can go for the additions, just like a family on a budget. It is our money, not yours. I have attended all but one of the meetings on this subject. My husband and I have a winery and tasting room downtown, We wanted to be apart of the downtown revitalization. We have invested many dollars of our own money towards this business. Having grown up in Yakima and knowing what fun downtown use to be I believe that the plaza will be the new heart and focus for revitalizing our city. I ask that the council vote to move forward with the current plaza plans and approve it. The design by Karen Gustafson is a work of art and something the entire community can use and be proud of. Thank you for reading my thoughts The council needs to have the courage to move the City forward, not backward. This includes having the vision to say yes to the Plaza. As someone who lives in this in this community by choice, I am constantly defending where we are going. My vote is yes - and I would encourage Mr. Lover to find out what some more of his constituents want since I'm in his district he may find out that there are more people than he thinks saying yes. This helps our community on so many levels and the parking discussion - there are lots of solutions to this and I would encourage you to research them. Mark Barrett — tr6eripgriedagolcom I have not gone to meetings on the New Plaza project but I have concerns. I believe you will have overwhelming support if you solve the parking concerns. You spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a study for the area without c,tudying the solution for the parking. Find a solution for the parking concerns ,�on't ignore it, and I would along with many others support this. Robert Garlow — Tuesday, I attended the city council meeting at our local convention center. I do not have much patience for politics but I have friends that do and they work very hard to promote worthwhile projects and ideas in our small city of Yakima, WA. In my three years spent here, the city has clearly began to pull out of a (overly talked about) stagnate existence thanks in part to their activism. I attended this meeting for two reasons; 1. To show my passive support for a locally controversial project by standing respectfully and silently in the back of a room filled with over 400 people, holdi a sign in my hand that simply said "yes plaza." I 2. To see Kathryn Gustafson (Gustafson Guthrie Nichol: Seattle, Washington DC, London) and Brett Baba (Graham Baba Architects, Seattle) give their fina' presentation to the public and our city council. As these very talented designers finished a detailed presentation and the meeting evolved into an inevitably long session of public commentary (52 individuals + 3 minutes each) a women sauntered into my periphery and positioned herself adjacent to me. She held a small open spiral notebook in one hand and shouldered a hefty messenger bag brimming with torn out loose leaf am "You look like you're from Seattle." She said in an almost accusatory tone. "I am not." I replied as I returned my gaze back to the speaker amplified public commentary that she was trying to talk over. 10MOT411 "Yes." "Ok, then why do want a plaza?" she inquired, pen at the ready, seemingly looking for some sort of quote for a piece she may have been writing. "Respectfully, I would like to listen to the comments." "Oh, OK. You arrogant son of a bitch." She spewed before walking towards the door and exiting immediately. I was left stunned, hardly offended and severely confused. Why does this anecdote from last night matter? I am not even sure but it has encouraged this farrogant son of a bitch' to finally put his thoughts to paper. I have an undergraduate degree in Environmental Design (Urban Planning) and a Master's degree in Architecture. Through this lens, the Yakima Central Plaza project is a home run. On the contrary, I do not know a lot about running a city, I I couldn't possibly find the energy or time to address every concern (some trivial, some legitimate) that has been voiced, and there are more pertinent places to go for that information. I instead, am here to offer what I am realizing is a unique perspective. One that was never'tainted' by Yakima's past or reputation. I do not feel my community is inferior to other city nor do I have any desire to leave. My wife and I visited Yakima in the fall of 2012 and in less than 48 hours committed to a minimum of 3 years here. Part of it was its centralized location in the pacific North West. Part of it was its rural -urban charm. Part of it was the people, strangers at the time, that talked of community and ideaJAM's focused on making Yakima better. Some talked about a civic pride movement that had just started up called I HEART YAKIMA. Others showed us the vibrancy of Franklin Park and spoke of important arts organizations and bountiful farmers markets. 0 am• and Seattle and drove a 16 •i truck with all • our possessions from Buffalo, NY to a little apartment on Park Lane near downtown, Yakima. It was only a matter of weeks before we attended one of those ideaJAMs that evolved into the co-founding of the Non-profit Yakima Maker Space. We strategically located our community space in the middle •' downtown Yakima to align with our interests in contributing to the [re]building of downtown and of the community we are so proud to be a part of. You may jump to criticize that we were not raised here but be informed that we plan to raise a family here. That three year job commitment has come and gone and our roots here in the valley are growing deeper each day. After last night, my feelings about politics have been reaffirmed and you will have a hard time getting me back into that arena again. I am not sure that my silent support inside that large room yesterday made a difference, but I hope our decision to choose Yakima speaks volumes. We chose to move to Yakima. We chose to invest in Yakima. We chose to stay in Yakima. And in keeping with this trend • showing pride and recognizing •• opportunities, we have c osen to support the • in downtown Yakima. Please do not remain content with what Yakima is and instead embrace what Yakima is becoming, This is only one •: many things that need • attention, but a YES vote for a • space is not a cold shoulder to other issues. The momentum is palpable and the Yakima Central Plaza is just one of many positive & progressive 'next steps'to making our downtown the best place it can be. Thank you for your time and close consideration March 9, 2016 John Baule — ioh6�� 41mi�La�useum.om Thank you very much for holding the • session • the • last evening — while I am sure it was, in some ways, long and tedious to hear the repeated reasons pro and con; I came away with a heightened appreciation of the difficult decision each •,`, • faces. As a result, I spent much • a sleepless night debating with myself (a scary thought, I realize). Here are some conclusions or observations I should have articulated when I spoke • at the meeting: First, there is absolutely no way of pleasing everyone and there is no way anyone can absolutely assure you a plaza will, or will not, work until it is • and open to the public. Therefore, I will try to summarize how I have concluded the issue might be approached: 1 ) What is best for the City • Yakima overall? What has the potential to serve all of the residents of, and visitors to, our fair community? What has the potential to give all our residents a source of pride and feeling of well-being? 2) What decision will result in a community -wide legacy our children and grandchildren might • in the same manner the entire community •` from past decisions to build parks, restore the Capitol Theatre, and even (much as it would • have •`` my choice) to build two •.• underpasses? 3) What will meeting planners and tourists from throughout the Northwest •. most impressed with when deciding to bring groups to this community —a parking lot or a world -class carefully designed and carefully thought-out central gathering space? We compete for these convention dollars. 4) Location, location, location —one of the cardinal rules for all businesses is that location matters. The same must be true for public spaces. Would any other location provide the same linkage between historic buildings and otherwise create a central space? 5) The cost of a bond is exactly the same as the cost of a home mortgage — everyone who buys a new home does it out of a desire for a better life and the belief in the future; few calculate the total cost of the mortgage beyond • the • payments are within the range • the household budget. Would • let fear over the total cost of a home mortgage stop you from the hope and optimism that cornes with buying a new home? 6) Raising private funds is not easy —this is something I do regularly and the individuals and businesses that have stepped forward in the face of uncertainty are moving far ahead •' their normal comfort "• Has there been a similar financial investment from those with the resources on the "con" •' toward • •` • the years —not just • this issue, • to not -for -profit social service, arts, sports, and other community services? Ultimately, all this boils down to what do you want our city to be in the future? What is your vision for •. city in 10-20-30 years? illo • want to lead a potential transformation? Do you want the Status • Do you want to be remembered as community leaders who rnade decisions based on what happened in the past, on fear of change, or on a willingness ts • & direct change? Amy McKinney — ag]ymgkinnev4agmai corn The intent of the March 8 special meeting at the Convention Center was the opportunity for the City Council and the community to learn more about the Plaz-.2 Project and ask questions. Sean Hawkins did an exceptional job as did Kathryn Gustafson presenting every layer of design, intent of use, answered every question ranging from shading issues, parking, public restrooms, maintenance, event opportunities and beyond. We are disappointed that a vote wasn't called • last night, yet a vote to close the large parking • was instead. Please •• the •I thing, `• the incredible talent of this design, the overwhelming financial pledges to get us there, and find the courage to vote yes for our Downtown Plaza. With that catalyst of energy, light and an explosion of pedestrian traffic to current and future businesses that will no doubt WANT to be a •r • the surround Plaza, the gift of community gatherings (summertime farmer's market, sprinkler parks, well -lighted and SAFE ways to gather for picnics, band concerts, musicians, a place to study, a place to read and play with our children, Christmas tree lighting), I can only continue to rattle off all of the amazing positive change WE have continued to see in • travels around WA State, the ■ NW, Ashland, Oregon, Portland Oregon, New • City, Washington DC, all small and major cities in Mexico and •• Be brave about this. Yes, a Plaza concept has been proposed and wasn't a complete package in the past. And that's the past. All of those concerns from surrounding neighborhoods can •- at least •r solved with a • well - lighted center for families. For all of the complainers regarding parking last night, the families who live RIGHT in downtown will no doubt not have concern, they'll •- walking to/from the Plaza. Please, please consider voting unanimously for this gift. Each of you has so much to benefit personally and professionally from voting yes for this, we LOVE our city, we WANT to see it thrive, attract our surrounding • and • them why It's so • Please vote yes and • the • to -• you, • • at the X I uture ribbon -cutting and blessing • • jewel to all • Yakima. Terry Meloy—tqrrmeloy amall.0m I couldn't agree with Patti Schneider's letter to you more if I had written it myself. The city has spent 3 years trying to decide if the proposed plaza is right for Yakima • they still don't know for sure what the answer is. For goodness Sa either put it up for a vote of the people or drop it. To proceed should be by the choice of the people. Let your constituents decide! Terry Mullin --- Opinions voiced at last night's City Council meeting about the Central Plaza remind me of those I heard about what is now Yakima's Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences. Years before doctors graduated here annually, a small group of volunteers decided to accomplish what many applauded, questioned and • • ranged from financial and social to cynical. Countless challenges occurred and continue, yet PNWU is here. Yakima achieved a timeless source of pride, growth, potential and service. Like PNWU, the Central Plaza is an opportunity for us to perpetually • who we are. Are we committed to what is • progress? Will challenges inherent to all communities render us stuck? Yakima's Central Plaza is an opportunity we are privileged to contemplate. Let's honor this community, downtown and this opportunity. Let's conscientiously build and manage the Central Plaza, while spreading the momentum and gained insight to concomitant community progress. Please join me in saying "YES" to the Central Plaza. Karen Bennett — kenkarenbennettQmsn.!�om It is disturbing to me that we are even having this discussion. We have already promised mons to a Soccer field and private company as well as an aquatic center. These projects are all well and good, however, who are they serving? Only those fames with money and the ability to run their children for various events. What happens to all of youth who have no money and/or parents who must work and are not able to take their children? Where is there a safe and either low or no cost place for them? +Does anyone care? Where are all these wonderful sponsors who get all the kudos. Can't they see how very much our little ones need a safe place to play before we cater to out-of-towners? Walk through Miller Park, be sure to wear boots, the needles are everywhere. Would you play there? Please spend money first on our little ones they are our future, and we do owe it to them. Kristina Weyer — Kr!On�a.weVer@omeiii.com The public session last night was much appreciated. For everyone to talk wou have lasted past dawn, I'm sure, so I'll send my thoughts in writing. I am a resident of the City of Yakima. I My husband and I have lived here just 3 years, moving here for his work in the hop industry. We love it here, and feel like we discovered a hidden gem of the northwest. From what I hear of the p.st, Yakima has had a problem of languishing, young people leaving as soon as they can, and not wanting to stay to raise their own families in the place they grew Lip. From my relatively short perspective, it is on the verge of an upswing. More young families are moving here either from elsewhere, or natives moving back. There is an excitement of rebuilding new businesses, volunteer organizations, activities, gathering spaces, that would make Yakima an attractive place for anyone to live, not just those of us who can see under its rough edges the great potential that is, here. The plaza is another one of those projects that would keep this revitalization moving. Without it and other similar efforts, I -fear the young energy that is starting to infuse this community will peter out, and move on. We'd love to stay here, raise our family, and we even have dreams of starting a downtown business, but we're not going to stay in a languishing community forever. The main opposition seems to be around parking. The plaza team has addressed this concern thoroughly by maintaining zero net change in the amount of parking, as explained by Sean Hawkins last night. Any parking problems the downtown has now will not be affected by the plaza, since the net number of spaces will be the same. If there is a parking problem, it should be addressed as a separate issue from the plaza. Sure, let's get a parking garage going. When I hear people say the main issue with the plaza is parking, I'm hearing them say that 4 minutes is too long to spend walking from their car to their destination. Is that really too much burden on a day, a few minutes spent outdoors, a time to get some movement into our days which are too sedentary already? Weigh that few minutes a •. against the benefits of a public space for people to • and mingle, a comfortable place to relax out-of-doors, and have a reason to come downtown and support the businesses there. Please ••. this plaza project, with the current proposed design that was presented last night. CITY OF YAKIMA MAR 1 14 2016 OFFICE OF CITY COUNCIL I M.TM "OTAMM 129 North 2 nd St. Yakima, Wa 98901 Attn: Mayor Avina Gutierrez I would like to show my support for the downtown Plaza. 1 am one that believes you have to give to get and if we don't do this now, who knows when we ever will. Yakima needs this desperately. We need to revive the downtown. Most larger communities have "something"; Seattle has it's own neighborhoods wherein they have their own attractions and the Pike Place Market. Portland has the "pearl district". If we are to attract outsiders we need something! I realize that parking is a big part of the issue but I think a very lame excuse. I suggest that close parking be restricted to disabled and let the rest of us walk. "We" are spoiled in that we are used to parking in front of the business we go to. "We" get irritated if we have to park "far away" in the Costco parking lot for fear we might get some exercise. Trust me, when you go to Seattle or Portland you seldom ever get to park close to anything. I encourage you to vote in support of the Plaza. And for the record, I have "no skin in the game".....1 do not have a business downtown; it will only benefit me in the global sense. Sincerely, Zus<an YoLngstrom ILYA To: Honorable Mayor and members of the Yakima City Council From: Jeff Cutter, Interim City Manager RE: Sister City visit There's been some discussion about the Mayor and a Council member joining the Sister City Association on a trip to Morelia, Michoac6n next month. Since the discussion began, the Council member has decided not to go, however, the Mayor is still considering the trip. The last time a Council member went with a delegation to Morelia was Dave Edler (mayor) about 7 or 8 years ago. Micah was invited to go on a trip, but never went due to scheduling issues. Norm Johnson traveled to Morelia once or twice as a Council member. Lynn Buchanan went on a couple of the very early trips. John Pucinnelli went in 2002 when he was mayor. Council members have occasionally gone to Morelia with the Sister City Association, but not annually. The local association members generally travel to Morelia every year, but not always. A delegation from Morelia comes to Yakima once every two years or so. The local association usually invites the mayor when a delegation from Yakima is going to Morelia. It means a great deal to the folks in Mexico when the mayor of Yakima accompanies the delegation. Political titles mean a great deal in Mexico, so having the mayor as part of the Yakima delegation is considered very special to the folks in Morelia. Yakima delegation members are expected to cover their own airfare costs. This goes for the Mayor and Council member(s) as well. Hotel, food, and other associated costs incurred while in Mexico are covered by the Morelia association. The same is true when a delegation from Morelia travels to Yakima — the Morelia folks cover their own airfare and the local association takes care of hotel, food, etc. costs. In the past, airfare costs for Council members have been paid out of the Council travel account. According to the Sister City representative, airfare for the trip is approximately $760. Below is a list of meetings currently scheduled for the delegation. University Latina of America "UNLA" Directors and staff Interviews with Radio, Newspapers and Social media reps. Possible meeting with the Governor of Morelia: Silvano Aureoles Meeting with Cardinal Alberto Suarez Inda Meeting with the State Congress in Morelia A special trip to Mexico City to meet with members of the Federal Congress Meetings with Business leaders, Academic reps, including social and cultural activities Visits to Artisan Communities: Patzcuaro, Quiroga, Tzintzuntzan, and Zirahuer The 2016 travel budget is $9,000 and $1,023.81 has already been spent on travel and training this year leaving $7,976.19 in the account. The Council needs to discuss this opportunity and decide whether it would like to send a representative with the delegation to Morelia next month. If it is agreed that a representative will participate, the Council will need to vote on it at its March 15 meeting so transportation arrangements can be made.