There is a new residence amendment for the waterside of Harborview Dr.

The majority of the  Gig Harbor City Council 

needs new jobs!

 Somewhere far, far away from the public sector.

  Somewhere they would not be allowed to step all over Democracy ever again!

Yes, this mayor-elect and newly, unopposed elected council members heard you loud and clear.  They heard and saw the voting numbers which show that never, ever, ever before in the history of Gig Harbor have folks been elected with so many folks saying:

We don't believe you!

We don't trust you!

We don't want you!

 (Previous post will give you the stats as of Nov.8 and seems to be still holding at 1/3).

Tim Payne started it off, Derek Young, Steve Ekberg, Jill Guernesy and Michael Perrow quickly chimed in to bring back houses to sit on the waterside of Harborview Drive.  

There is a new proposed amendment to bring back houses to the

 waterside of Harborview Drive.

Brought to you by the folks who really honor Democracy, when it suites them......

(this above drawing is Harborview and both side of Novack)

 

The proposed new amendment will allow porches to sit back 6 feet from the property line, houses to sit back 12 feet from the property line and to be measured 18' high from the property line.  Pretty close to the sidewalk.  On one side of Novack the property sits lower, so you will probably only have 14' in front of your face.  The other areas on the waterside of Harborview don't slope down, so looks like 18' in front of your face.  

The first area affected is from Millville, from about the Harbor Peddler to about Stinson. 

  Why?

  Mr. Stearns wants to build a new house on the corner of Harborview and Dorotich..

Why?

  Let's not forget the Quigleys who purchased their property in 2012, knowing what the zoning was and working so very hard to change that zoning to suite themselves.

Yes, there will be a meeting for Public Comment.

  Yes you will want to be there. 

 The date is not firmly set as of yet.  December 9 and January 13 are likely dates.  Please keep them open.  As soon as we know we will let you know.  Just cause I think Mr. Derek Young would enjoy voting on this before he steps down, December 9, is the likely date.

YEP!

Those names on the right; the city and the media they are waiting to hear what you think about this new proposal and it is important that you make your opinions known. 

Ken Malich is THE ONLY council member that respects Democracy of the majority.  Please thank him.  He stands up for all of us.  Please thank him!!

We are working every legal avenue possible! 

 We are all in this together. 

 Your emails will go on the record and it is important to have them there...even if you have written before.  In the legal world, numbers matter.

The number of you who stand up is very important to the greater cause!!!  

Thank you!

GH Citizens vote NO confidence

   Even in an "off year" for voting, Gig Harbor citizens have made a statement of NO Confidence!
   

       There are 5,463 registered voters in the City of Gig Harbor.

       3,275 voters did not return any ballots.  Why?

      At least 1/3 of the returned ballots of Gig Harbor voters did NOT vote for this mayor- elect or any of the council members running for re-election. 
    As of Nov 8/ 4:30pm
       2,188 returned ballots voting for Mayor-elect, Jill Guernsey
       1,040 returned ballots not voting for Mayor-elect, Jill Guernsey

       2,090 returned ballots voting for Council member Tim Payne
       1,135 returned ballots NOT voting for Council member Tim Payne

       1,423 returned ballots voting for Council member Steve Ekberg
       1,109 returned ballots voting for Jim Hagman
          642 returned ballots NOT voting for Council member Steve Ekberg

       2,107 returned ballots voting for Council member Paul Kadzik
       1,121 returned ballots NOT voting for Council member Paul Kadzik

 It is  evident that if the council members had made their downtown intentions known before the May filing date, they would have not run unopposed and most likely would not have been reelected.

These voters have said loud and clear they have no confidence in the Council's handling of the Downtown Height amendment.
   
 These voters are the same people the Council stepped all over when Council discounted citizens signatures on their petitions, emails, and public comments.  Were these citizens a good trade off for the only 10 folks who did email and speak in favor of the building heights amendment?  These 10 folks stand to financially benefit from the passing of this amendment.

     Why is there no confidence? 

 Every person knows that if downtown is not going to be revitalized by 2 story, flat-roof buildings on the uphill side of Harborview Dr., then 3 or 4 buildings on the waterside of Harborview Drive is not going to make a difference to economic vitality at all.  Council's  story of why 3 or 4, 2 story, flat-roof buildings on the waterside of Harborview Dr is so vital does not make sense.  It is not a believable story.  Perhaps the answer lies in those 70 pages withheld due to attorney client privilege.

        Council's statement ..."if you want a view ,go buy  it" is just plain arrogant and Council's  being out of touch is evidenced  from the city's own vision boards where citizens put their dots on what they want Gig Harbor to be known for... views, quaint, walkable..  There were no 2 story, flat-roof buildings ever shown or mentioned.

     The voters of Gig Harbor spoke on Nov 5. 

 The Gig Harbor City Council has heard loud and clear why there is no confidence. 

 

 Voters will be watching and listening and anticipating a different election in 2 years.

 

   

Turn out the lights...NOT SO FAST!!!

You fought the good fight!

We did the best we could!

There were over 1,500 Gig Harbor Citizens who signed the petition, sent emails and spoke.

After looking through the emails in favor of this amendment and counting those folks who spoke for this amendment...there were 10 folks in favor.

Yes, The Gig Harbor City Council did overturn the will of the people

Tonight's The Night!!!

Gig Harbor City Council Meeting  5:30pm  Civic Center

Tonight's the Night!!!

Tonight will be what the council likes to refer to as the second reading of the waterside downtown building heights proposed amendment.

     It is the same amendment as before, only the Council took out and passed the uphill Harborview side of the amendment on September 9th.
      Oct. 14 was the Open House for reeducating folks, first reading of the "new" amendment; and public comment.  
     A petition was presented to the city with over 1,500 signatures of Gig Harbor Citizens for NO new zoning anywhere on Harborview Drive.   The great, vast majority of speakers said NO to this view killing, tall building amendment.  There was about 5 speakers in favor of this amendment, the majority of those speaking in favor would also financially benefit from this amendment.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

     Previously the Citizens For The Preservation of Gig Harbor Waterfront received, through the Freedom of Information Act, emails concerning this Building Height and Developer Agreement amendments.  EXCEPT the city withheld 70 pages of information, citing Attorney/Client privilege.
    The question will always be what is in those 70 pages the city does not want Gig Harbor citizens to know about regarding those 2 amendments? 
     Why did we receive some of the requested materials and 70 pages were withheld?

Why is it OK to see some of those emails?

Why is it NOT OK to see some of those emails?

 ALWAYS

     Investigate for yourself!.......Decide for yourself....Google, for yourself!!!!

At the end of the Council meeting there is always time for Public Comment..

there will be some tonight!

Come on up or over or down...bring a friend and ask where those 70 pages are and what is in those 70 pages the city does not want YOU to know about!

Since we only asked for information regarding the buildings heights and developer agreement issues, the 70 missing pages have to do with that subject...Attorney/Client privilege covers a lot.

Over 1,500 Gig Harbor citizens say NO to this proposed zoning amendment. 

  What is in those 70 missing pages and

what is it the city does not want you to know about what is in those 70 pages?

What is this zoning amendment really about?...

Hi Everyone;

   Connect the dots for yourself...it is really, really easy to do so.

    This entire proposed zoning amendment has nothing to do with protecting the views for our town for citizens and to encourage tourists to visit.  It actually has very little to do with revitalizing downtown...as there is no data, never was any data to support 2 story buildings will revitalize anything. This proposal was never discussed during the visioning process...with the citizens, that is.

    The emails provided under the Freedom of Information Act, show this proposed amendment has everything to do with the relationship between an architect and the Council of Gig Harbor.

 The real question: What is it about the influence of so few, who stand to make so much money,
 that could outweigh the majority of Gig Harbor Citizens? 

Monday, Oct. 28; 5:30pm Gig Harbor City Council Meeting.....we will ask those questions at the end of the evening.

If you are at this meeting the Council will not pass this amendment.

It is the responsibility of each of us to take care of this harbor!

If you are not at this meeting, they will pass this amendment....
Save The Gig Harbor Waterfront from Developers!

If you find this information upsetting, the Council and media email addresses are on this page....don't be shy!

Mr Mayor, et al:

   How could Gig Harbor City Council suggest for one moment that the idea of 2 story,
flat roof buildings on the Gig Harbor Waterfront came from the 2012 Visioning Process?

  February 2012, before a visioning meetings every took place, Architect David Boe was in email contact with the Gig Harbor City Planning Department with plans for 2 story, flat roof buildings in downtown Gig Harbor. These buildings were non conforming to the current zoning rules.

  The visioning process began after these emails from David Boe and the GH City.  During the visioning process, NO 2 story buildings ever proposed or shown on the waterfront.  There was NEVER even any supporting data to suggest that 2 story, flat roof buildings would revitalize anything.

  In August of 2012, David Boe was told that this non conformity issue with his drawings would be taken care of during the 2013 amendment process.  It was suggested to him that he contact Council member Jill Guernesy to continue this conversation.

  2013 is when the city started promoting these 2 story, 27' high, flat roof buildings to the public.  A year after conversations with Dave Boe Architects were well underway.

David Boe Architects has projects for waterside Harborview Dr and uphill side of Harborview Dr.

How very misleading of this City Council to ever suggest these heights, commercial and residential every came from the visioning process! 

Not quite sure where the money is....
could that have something do with the 70 missing pages of emails you did not supply
under the Freedom of Information Act?

What we do know is that  David Boe and about 5 other people who stand to financially benefit from these amendments
 are the ONLY people who are in favor of this amendment,  other than the city.  HUM!
 There are 1,507 signatures on the petition saying NO; with a multitude of citizens emails and public comments saying NO to this amendment.

Just what is it about the influence of so very few...
 could possibly begin to out weight the majority of citizens in Gig Harbor???

Perhaps that answer is in the 70 missing pages?

Monday, Oct. 28;  5:30pm Gig Harbor City Council Meeting

Gig Harbor Citizens will be there and expecting your answers!

Where are the 70 missing pages!

Will the Gig Harbor City Council Overturn The Will of the People?

Could the 70 missing pages be here?

There is a lot of fact checking we could do, but let's start at the beginning:

For those of you who attended the Oct. 14, Open House and Public Comment.   
If you kept your sheets supplied to you by the city...

 Frequently Asked Questions - Downtown Waterfront Amendments

"The first FAQ...Why has the City initiated these amendments?    In March of 2012, the city began the downtown visioning initiative with the direction to develop a vision statement for downtown and to look for ways to change the city's zoning regulations to provide flexibility in the regulations that might incentive reinvestment in our downtown buildings while preserving the character and history of Gig Harbor.  These amendments came from this visioning process"

In February of 2012 emails began with the David Boe Associates, architectural firm, in Tacoma.  The above drawing was supplied to the city in February of 2012, and emails of Feb 2012 show the design for 2 story, flat roof buildings between The Tides and The Greet Turtle, on the waterside of Harborview Dr.  These are sites A,B,C,D.  You will notice site E, which is on the uphill side of Harborview Dr and bordered by Soundview. 

The above ought to make you very concerned:

..... concerned enough to send an email to the list of folks on the right 

and ask them where those 70 pages are?

.....Concerned enough to attend the Oct. 28th, Gig Harbor City Council meeting

.....Concerned enough for a low vote count for Mayor and City Council members.  

A low vote count is the only thing that will send a message to the City Council.

Investigate for yourself, Decide for yourself, no write in's, just leave City Offices blank.

Monday, Oct. 28; 5:30pm  Gig Harbor City Council Meeting

Each of us, together will save the Gig Harbor Waterfront!!! 

All the above information was obtained through the Freedom of Information Act...except for those 70 pages, withheld.  

Follow up, Drawings and where are those 70 pages?

This is a follow up to Oct. 21 blog on Coincidences, Questions and Elections.

  If you have not done so, please read the blog from Oct. 21.  Below is part of the area the city told us, no one had any plans for.....

Here is a copy of the drawing regarding the Boat Barn Remodel project.  You will notice on the left The Tides and you will notice site a, b, c, d, .  Be sure and look across the street at site E.
  Some of these buildings are scheduled to be 2 story, flat roofs.  These buildings do not conform to current zoning.  These 2 story buildings would be allowed with the new zoning amendment.   

  Here's a real concern.......

The city told us, no  one had any plans for this area..

... there are plans for this area.

What else has the city told us that is incorrect?

What is really in those 70 missing pages of emails between the city and their attorney concerning this building height amendment and Developerment Agreement?

Why doesn't the city want anyone to see those emails?

If Citizens For The Preservation of Gig Harbor Waterfront had known the council's position on changing the waterfront forever, before the filing date for running for office had closed...this mayor and council folks would not be running unopposed.

Investigate for Yourselves!

Decide for Yourselves!

Consider voting for no one, sending a message of low vote count for these officials, perhaps a message they will listen to. 

Oct. 28; 5:30pm Gig Harbor City Council meeting.

You are needed to help save the Gig Harbor Waterfront!

  

Coincindences, Questions and Elections

Welcome to the first bog by the

 Citizens For The Preservation of Gig Harbor Waterfront. 

 Our goal is to keep the view of the Gig Harbor Waterfront for ALL the citizens and tourists who visit Gig Harbor...

for generations to come.

Below is a letter Citizens For the Preservation of Gig Harbor Waterfront sent to the Gig Harbor City Council with some very real concerns.  Just who does the City Council work for?

Mr. Mayor, et al;
     Our citizens group has been assured, on more than one occasion, that no one was asking for these proposed zoning changes on Harborview Dr.  All the citizens of Gig Harbor were told this proposed zoning amendment was just being done in the best interest of finding a way to revitalize downtown.

     The Boat Barn Remodel

      We have noticed a pre application file, dated February 2012, and correspondence with the City of Gig Harbor, for part of the area between The Tides and The Green Turtle, on the waterside of Harborview Dr.  This pre application file, with city correspondence, is known as the Boat Barn Remodel and shows 2 story, flat roof buildings scheduled for this remodel. Under the current zoning, these 2 story, flat roof buildings would not be allowed.  Under the proposed new zoning, they would be allowed.
     The architect on this proposal is Mr. David Boe, from Boe Associates in Tacoma.  Mr. Boe spoke in front of the City Council, latest date, Oct.14 in which he is in favor of the new proposed zoning amendment.  Bow Associates would profit greatly if this zoning amendment was passed by the City Council. 
       February of 2012 shows Mr. Boe is working with the Gig Harbor City Planning Department on this pre application for 2 story, flat roof buildings on the waterside of Harborview Dr.
      In late 2012 and early 2013 the Gig Harbor City Planning Commission recommends 2 story, 27' high, flat roof buildings in downtown Gig Harbor, including the waterside of Harborview Dr, in the very area covered by Boe Associates pre application for The Boat Barn Remodel. Surely this is just a coincidence?         
 Citizens For The Preservation of Gig Harbor Waterfront have another concern. 
     On September 5, 2013, the Citizens Group requested all documents covering the Proposed Downtown Building Heights Amendments and Developer Agreements, from July 2012 thru Sept 5, 2013.      
     We are in receipt of some of the documents.
     However, there are 72 pages withheld. 
     The reason given for withholding these documents is "Attorney-client privilege".
     What is it the city needs to keep from the citizens of Gig Harbor regarding the downtown building amendments and the Developer Agreements?
     Remember that you work for the citizens of Gig Harbor.
     You have heard loud and clear, the majority of Gig Harbor citizens do NOT want this zoning amendment.  1,507 voting residents have signed the petition for NO new zoning anywhere on Harborview Dr.
     The petition continues.
Citizens For The Preservation of Gig Harbor Waterfront

The above are questions and concerns that everyone deserves believable answers to. 

Considering some of the photos from the city with dotted lines in the sky and red lines in the bushes, credibility with the City is a bit of an issue. 
If the city didn't expect people to build these things, they would not zone for them. 

 The above are questions and concerns that everyone deserves believable answers to.




 Look over to the right side of the page and you will notice email addresses. 
    We have heard the City Council is waiting to hear more from you before they are ready to vote  for NO zoning changes anywhere on the waterside of Harborview Drive.
     Before the next City Council meeting on Oct. 28, 5:30pm...send all these folks a little email.  Just who does the Gig Harbor City Council work for and isn't it time the view of the majority outweighs the financial interest of the few!  (can't help but wonder if David Boe is donating to any of our local campaigns, he has every right to do so..just looks not so good)

We have all been receiving our voting ballots. Some folks say that perhaps a good message to send to the City Council is to have a very low voter count for all City Officials, council and mayor.


 Way too many Gig Harbor City officials are running unopposed, but if no one votes for any council or mayor, at least a message will be sent they cannot ignore.

       Investigate for YOURSELF! 

 Decide for YOURSELF!  

Vote for YOURSELF! 

Will the Gig Harbor City Council Overturn the Will of the People?

“Sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul.”
― Edward Abbey
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Your comment is welcome...keep it clean...keep it kind!