If you’d have told me when we moved here fulltime in 2020 that I’d be supporting Heron’s Rest, a planned unit development on the 3rd Street lot that neighbors and I opposed in 2017, I would’ve wondered what you were smoking.
In the four years since I started writing these posts, I’ve learned something about Oregon land use goals and laws, city and county ordinances, and the rules and processes of municipal government. As I’ve learned, my perspective has changed as perspectives will do when wishful thinking runs into reality.
What I’ve learned is that the rules are the rules and if we don’t like how they work, we can change them but it’s going to take more people than just us and it’s going to take time—a lot of time—to get it done. And because we live in communities with other people it’s also going to take discussions with folks who hold different opinions and have different perspectives, ideas, and agendas. Some of those discussions will be difficult but ultimately worthwhile. None of us are going to get everything we want and that’s where compromise comes in.
In the summer of 2020, I discovered the new owner of the 3rd Street lot, Nate Palmer, had an application for a wetland delineation with the Department of State Lands. The first iteration of a plan for development had been denied in 2017. Neighbors who were in opposition to that plan (including my husband and I) believed that since it was denied, it was over, but when people buy property they have a right to use that property for whatever is allowed in the zone where it’s located, as long as they follow the ordinances.
I was angry about the clearcutting that happened back in December of 2016 before the lot was sold. It was designated Open Space land. There were supposed to be permits, an arborists report, a tree replanting plan and a wetland delineation before the previous owner could clearcut but none of those documents existed because none of those things happened. Nothing is easier to blame than the government or developers when you’re mad and what was supposed to happen just didn’t.
Scott Imholt, the builder for the 3rd Street project, responded to a misguided post I’d written. I replied. We met up at the lot on a freezing cold day and he listened to my frustrations, my conspiracy theories and how genuinely sad I was. I listened to him explain the stuff I didn’t understand about land use and ordinances.
What I remember from that first conversation was him saying, things change and change is hard.
Of course, I know the truth of that but like most people I don’t want what I love to end. I loved that piece of forest in the center of town. It felt like someone I loved died.
My first conversation with Scott led to more conversations about the lot and their proposed development and how to make it not suck for me and my neighbors.
Well, it doesn’t suck.
Scott and Nate met with us more than once and have communicated with us throughout the process. We’ve seen numerous iterations of their plan as they worked through the design to get to where it is now. They’ve been responsive to our concerns. They’ve addressed stuff like blowing sand in the summer and standing water in the winter. Their development has changed shape and their architect, Jim Fanjoy has designed a development with treed green space and wildlife pass throughs in the fencing. All the houses are small at 650 square feet with one or two bedrooms. Only 11 of them are two-level garage units. Fifteen of the units are single level with shared parking which will attract people who want to be in walking distance to town and the beach. The single level homes will back the existing single level homes, so my neighbors will maintain their privacy. A one way punch through from 3rd to Hallie will contain the parking within the development. They’ve listened and responded to us. And they’ve followed the ordinances we have to a T.
People buying these homes will be choosing a small home with shared parking in a walkable neighborhood. Maybe, like Classic Cottages more fulltime people will choose to relocate here. The traffic study that was done over the summer supports fewer parking spaces which will allow more trees, more permeable surface area and more green space. The homes will fit in with the existing surrounding neighborhood. We’ll still see Neahkahnie and not a skyline of big houses looming over Laneda.
We’re all responsible for the world we’ve created. The “government” that we seem to love to hate are just a bunch of regular people doing the jobs that keep things running. If we want to change things, we’re going to have to follow the rules we have and collaborate and compromise with other people to do it.
And developers? They’re the people who create jobs and build homes and businesses in communities. Palmer and Imholt have developed work force housing in Bay City, and now they want to build a neighborhood of small homes in the center of Manzanita. I believe they love this place and want to make something good happen.
It’s easy to blame other people when things don’t go the way I want them to. It’s easy to have an agenda when I’m angry about something and holding on tight to that anger. And creating a conspiracy when I don’t know all the facts about something or don’t want to accept them is crazy easy.
In a recent email to me, Nate wrote, “Great things happen when people from different backgrounds work together with good intentions!”
Yes, they can, and they do!
To see the application and materials check out the Planning Commission webpage.
ci.manzanita.or.us/240001-s-3rd-hallie-ln/
To submit a written comment as part of the public record please reference application number 24001 Heron’s Rest.
ci.manzanita.or.us/planning-commission/
Kim Rosenberg loretta.kim.rosenberg@gmail.com
The new 2024-2025 budget process is now being assembled for proposal to Wheeler citizens. With that in mind, The Voice wants to bring up a couple of points about the water.
“U.S. Municipal Water & Sewer: Annual Utility Rate Index, 2023. Across 50 of the largest U.S. metropolitan areas, average monthly household water bills increased to US $50.61. Two cities demonstrating the largest rate increases from 2022–2023 were El Paso, Texas and San Jose, California. El Paso residents recorded a 17% increase in their water. ”Wheeler’s water rate increased an unreasonable and absurd 108% . The Wheeler tap charge alone of $58 is higher than the entire average U.S. water rates. Add Wheeler’s average water usage to the water bill, more than doubles the average U.S water bill. And we live in Oregon with 100 inches of rain a year, not the Mojave desert. Why is this happening when Wheeler owns the well on Foley Creek Road that Wheeler shares with Manzanita. The original agreement was to SHARE the water. Wheeler continues to pay exactly half of the costs to run the water system with Manzanita. While Manzanita uses more than 110 million gallons a year, Wheeler uses only 21 million gallons. Manzanita not only makes more than $1,000,000 a year of Wheeler well water, they pocket enough money from the 5,000 summertime State Park’s flush toilets and hot showers to buy cars and trucks. The original Manzanita agreement was to use the same shared amount with Wheeler. However, they have taken advantage of Wheeler’s lack of asking for what is owed. The water plant alongside the Big Wave at the corner of Laneda and Hwy 101 was supposed to make up the rest of their water system by tapping from Alder Creek, Anderson Creek and Necarney Creek. None of those Manzanita creeks are being utilized. The Manzanita water plant is used as an office to park their car and truck for the Manzanita Public Works for Wheeler water purchased. Have you seen the large cleared lot across from Manzanita Fresh Foods for the new Manzanita City Hall; Wheeler water is purchasing. Wheeler is entitled to SHARE more than $1,000,000 Manzanita is collecting for 89,000,000 gallons of Wheeler water above the 21 million gallons Wheeler uses. Gary Gitzen Wheeler
2hr/ $225
1.5hr/ $175
NOW OFFERING 1hr/introduction $125!
Intro sessions include all above but choose between hands or feet. Whichever feels most needed.
Contact me (info below) to get on my limited schedule:
Mon – Wed April 15-17th
Fri April 19th
day and evening appointments
Qigong
Thursday’s at 11am in the NCRD gym
Mindful Movement
This class focuses on 5 elements/seasonal qigong and the 8 jewels (8 brocades) for strengthening and tonification. There is a Tuesday Mindful Movement class that is led by Julie Stratton and consists of flowing tai chi.
Health Coach
I’m offering new rates of $60 per session. Most people schedule between 3 -12 sessions depending on their needs.
I specialize in helping people live aligned with the seasons, making general health improvements that your Dr. is recommending or you’re simply ready to make. I provide support for anticancer and longevity lifestyles as well as maternity and well child care. Having health coach support improves success and satisfaction with your goals.
Call/text for consultations and bookings: 971.977.0166
wingsforwisdom@gmail.com
Thank you!
In kindness and wellness,
~ Libby
Elizabeth Golden Seaver
goldenkeywellness.abmp.com
“One of the saddest lessons of history is this: If we’ve been bamboozled long enough, we tend to reject any evidence of the bamboozle. We’re no longer interested in finding out the truth. The bamboozle has captured us. It’s simply too painful to acknowledge, even to ourselves, that we’ve been taken. Once you give a charlatan power over you, you almost never get it back.”
We gather and sing to heal ourselves and our community…we train to sing for those at the thresholds of life and death.
Whatever level you feel called to participate, we welcome your quiet energy…your resounding spirit…your soothing voice.
Threshold singers gather (in person) twice per month on 2nd&4th Tuesdays, 6:00-6:45pm @ St. Catherine’s Church in Nehalem, Oregon. We encourage singers to come as early as 5:30 for self-guided social & warm-up.
2nd Tuesdays: Intro & Healing Space (Practice giving/receiving healing through song – hosted by Ann & Ali)
4th Tuesdays: Core Songs Practice (Nuts & Bolts – hosted by Kim & Jennifer)
BONUS!
For those who wish to stay later to sing with the St. Catherine’s Community *Song Circle*, they begin at 7pm (also both 2nd&4th Tuesdays), and all are welcome.
Let us Sing!
2nd&4th Tuesdays *6-8pm
St. Catherine’s Church in Nehalem, Oregon
*Come as early as 5:30 for self-guided social & warm-up
For more information:
Email: oquinnhomestead@gmail.com
Text/call: 503-440-7861
www.facebook.com/NCO.ThresholdChoir/
Threshold Choir International:
www.thresholdchoir.org
May you be well…
rumble.com/v4kl0dn-climate-the-movie-the-cold-truth-martin-durkin.html
Don, are you tricking the angels today?
love,
Barbara and Chuck
And the winning tickets are….
That star of stage, screen and Story Time, LIZ COLE!
And…
The munificent mayor of the town NOT called Arctostaphylos, KATHRYN STOCK!
Thx to all you plant and community lovers for your support of the Wonder Garden. We embrace you with our sinewy, bronzed manzanita arms.
See you on April 21st for the first WG sale of the season featuring – what else? – The Plant That Spells Home!
My availability is now open is subject to change.
Areas I’ll be serving in Manzanita,Nehalem,Wheeler,Rockaway Beach, Garibaldi and Bay City. Any further will be extra for gas.
I can do move out, deep cleaning and many more. Just message me and I’ll communicate with you and if you’re on a budget.
email:tapuro0787@gmail.com
Txt: 1-808-264-2629
UPDATE
If you want more info just get ahold of me.
**EXTERIOR DETAIL**: Hand Wash & Hand Dry, Clay Bar,Wax,Polish,Clean Tires & Rims Including degreasing tire, applying tire shine,wash and Rain-X windows.
**INTERIOR DETAIL**: Vacuum interior including clean trunk, carpet stain remover if needed mats, seats , leather cleaner if needed, windows, mirrors, air vents, consoles, glove box, Dash, Door Seals and Panels. **NO SHAMPOOING**
According to the size and how much work needs to be done will determine Price$$$
“CAR DETAILING” business and if anyone is wanting there vehicle detailed pls LET ME KNOW..
Mobile service for Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach, Garibaldi and Tillamook Area.
Will travel farther for an extra fee.
PLEASE PROVIDE WATER and ELECTRIC ONLY everything else I can provide.
Hours: Monday to Sunday 9am-5pm
email: rednstrawberry@gmail.com
txt:18084439135
Please when inquiring about price. Let me know WHAT YEAR,MAKE & MODEL so can give accurate information.
Read all about it:
Parents of two friends of mine were exposed to COVID and died over the last month.
Diseases don’t go away because we stop thinking about them.
Ever since the vaccine against Smallpox successfully saved the life of a child in 1796, humans have had an extremely effective tool against diseases.
Measles, polio, you name them.
Get vaccinated, get your family vaccinated.
Be part of the solution, not the problem.
The Hoffman Center is celebrating, too, offering $5 raffle tickets worth $50 in Arctostaphylos swag!
The winning ticket holder takes home two $25 prizes:
*A healthy, happy manzanita of the species and size that’s right for your garden.
*A coveted manzanita-inspired Hoffman t-shirt in the style and size right for you.
Don’t know how to grow a manzanita? Our resident expert will tell you all you need to know!
If you win, we’ll notify you April 1st by e-mail, so be sure to write your correct address when you purchase your raffle tickets.
PS All runner-ups are invited to the MANZANITA PLANT SALE APR 21ST at the Hoffman Center for the Arts (& Plants!)
Buy your raffle tickets here:
hoffmanarts.org/events/manzanita-day-plant-raffle/
Wings
Stop and behold
The flying swallow,
Rising and releasing,
Joyfully soaring upwards
To stream back down
To the earth, gravity’s
Grateful companion.
Like the breath
Entering and leaving,
A joy to stop,
And simply witness
Rising and releasing,
The in and out
Of what we know
As a gift or blessing.
My name is Bill Miller and I’m still fairly new to the area. I am currently working as a vet technician at Nehalem Animal Healing Center. I now own my first cat “Angel”, and have loved animals all my life. Working at the vet is a part-time opportunity, and I have been doing odd jobs on the side to help make a living.
I am friendly, compassionate, a very hard worker, and I pay close attention to detail. I’ve mostly been doing landscaping and house cleaning since moving to the coast. I currently reside in Nehalem, near the Animal Rescue. I always come to work with a positive attitude. I have 11 years of experience in the restaurant industry so I am no stranger to hard labor and cleanliness. I have gone through extensive training, including serve safe certification. If I am hired as a cleaner I make sure to use proper products and procedures. No matter what, I make sure the job is done right the first time!
I am primarily looking for yard work jobs in the area, as I love to work outdoors, however I am willing to clean kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, you name it. We are never to good to do a job, even if it’s dirty. I work quickly, efficiently and ask for very reasonable compensation. If there are pets involved I am more than happy to help take care of them as well! I am a natural with all types of animals, and I am trained to do nail trims as an additional service if needed. If anyone is in need of a reliable, honest, hardworking guy to help out at home, please feel free to reach out to me on here. Also my personal cell phone is fine (413) 695-2215! You may also contact me via email at, xmiller1324@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you!
Best Wishes, Sincerely, Bill Miller
I’m asking $150.
503.812.0560
