In our article published last month in the Cascadia Weekly three paragraphs were devoted to Alan Friedlob’s reasons for being unwilling to vote for incorporation now. Previously a commissioned officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, Alan has been active in this community over the past several years. Following is the full text of the memo he provided to us as we were working on the article:
"Having participated in the smaller group which has worked closely in the design and conduct of the financial feasibility study, we must realize that this analysis does not, and will not address whether the citizens of Birch Bay's quality of life will be better off if we incorporate. I for one believe that we do not have to incorporate to enhance the high quality of life we treasure here. My experience over the last five years leads me to have guarded confidence that we can continue to collaborate with the County and our elected officials to achieve those outcomes which will enhance and sustain Birch Bay as a unique place to live. In my opinion these outcomes are:
1. Clean water quality in Birch Bay so that we can continue to enjoy the Bay's bounty and beauty for generations to come. The efforts to establish the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District is the way to go in this regard as its efforts will take in all of the Birch Bay watershed, not just the UGA.
2. Revitalizing the Birch Bay Central Reach through designing and implementing environmental sustainable and people-friendly public places, including a walking and biking path on Birch Bay Drive that we can be proud of, and that will attract persons from throughout the County to Birch Bay. To this end, the Country appropriated $400,000 to do the design work for managing Birch Bay's Central Reach shoreline. [Editors Note: At the sub-committee meeting, Kathy Berg held up a report she had just received for this project that provides cost and time estimates.]
3. Working with developers and builders to promote green building and low-impact development design guidelines. In 2006-2007, citizens and the County invested considerable time and energy in developing design guidelines for a town center and for our waterfront. Such guidelines could be adopted now if we introduce them to County Council, and hold public hearings. What are we waiting for? No city of Birch Bay needed.
4. We just passed a parks levy to support the Northwest Parks and Rec District. Citizens now need to engage in a public dialogue about how these monies should be spent to design and implement recreational activities, especially for Birch Bay's middle school and early teens whose families may not have the resources to provide structured recreational opportunities. In this regard, we need to work closely with the Blaine School District to develop such programming. Let's look at our recreational assets and develop these, such as Bay Horizon Park. Why do we need $1 million a year investment in a Birch Bay police force when we can prevent vandalism by offering recreational outlets.
None of my priorities, which I believe will enhance Birch Bay's quality of life, require that we move forward with an incorporation effort. Maybe the County now wishes Birch Bay to move in this direction so that it no longer has to engage an active citizenry that has been quite effective in recent years in getting the County Executive and administrators to listen to our wants and needs. We do have clout, and let's continue to use our substantial tax base to influence our future. We are doing this now, and it is working."
We’re offering this Forum for others to express their opinions on incorporation and other subjects that are important for the Birch Bay community. Our objective is to start and continue conversations rather than provide final answers.
