Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Storm Debris Drop-off Extended

Note:  Neighbors with trucks willing to help neighbors with debris but without a truck could post a note under "Comments" 

STORM DEBRIS DROP-OFF SITE DATES EXTENDED
Date: February 15, 2012                                                                                           
Drop-off Site Open Weekends through February 26, 2012
The City of Olympia will keep two drop-off sites open for the next two weekends. Olympia residents can bring storm-related tree and yard debris to the following locations at no charge:
·         City of Olympia Yard Waste Drop-off Site at 1401 Eastside Street, SE, Olympia, and
·         Yauger Park Parking Lot by DirtWorks (entrance off Capital Mall Drive).
Both locations will be open at the following times and dates:
·         Saturday, February 18, 9am – 4pm
·         Sunday, February 19, 9am – 4pm
·         Saturday, February 25, 9am – 4pm
·         Sunday, February 26, 9am – 4 pm
Check our web site for more information and resources.
olympiawa.gov­­­
Brenda Vance
360.753.8272

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

ALERT! TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS ON PROPOSED BUILDING ON GARFIELD PLAY-FIELD

The Boys and Girls Club of Thurston County has submitted an application to the City of Olympia for construction of a major recreation building on the northwest quarter of the Garfield Play-field.

A public meeting on the proposal is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22, at 6:30 at Garfield School.

The City's Design Review Board will meet to discuss the proposal on Thursday, February 23 at 6:30 at City Hall.

Additional details regarding provisions for public comment and written comment have been requested from the City and will be posted when we, the Northwest Olympia Neighborhood Association (NWONA) receive them.

The parcel proposed for the structure is 38,330 square feet, approximately one quarter of the play-field. The actual structure will occupy 19,850 square feet.  According to the application, the building will contain classroom and activity areas, a teen center, and a gymnasium, plus storage and office space.  The proposal includes 16 on site parking spaces.  The play-field is owned by the Olympia School District which has agreed to lease the parcel to the Boys and Girls Club for $1.00 per year. 

Concerned local residents met with representatives of the City, the School District, the Parks Department, and the Boys and Girls Club on February 1 to discuss alternative locations adjacent to Garfield School that would not result in the loss of this community open space.  There was agreement that the City and the Boys and Girls Club would review at least three alternative options: incorporation of a facility within major improvements planned at Garfield School; construction at the site of Police sub-station, with incorporation of Police facilities; construction wholly or partially within the City's Woodruff Park.  This review is currently in process.  

Despite the apparent conflict of two public meetings on one proposed site while alternative sites are under consideration, the City has determined that by code, it must proceed to conduct the public meetings on the current application. 

The Northwest Olympia Neighborhood Association is encouraging your comments to this blog and at the two meetings scheduled by the City.

Monday, February 6, 2012

LOOKING OUT FOR THE HERONS

Breeding activity at the Great Blue Heron colony located about three blocks northeast of the Food Co-op ought to commence in late February.  However, last year, after about 20 nests were constructed and occupied by breeding pairs, bald eagles began preying on young herons, such that no herons were seen successfully fledging from the nests.

The site is currently slated for development: six townhomes will be built just east of the heronry, and the driveway to these homes will pass through the heronry itself.  In fact, it seems that the right-of-way that was created for the future road improved access for both herons and eagles, as its construction led to an increase in nest construction by herons and then an increase in heron mortality.  However, development of the site has been stalled for several years, though the construction permit remains active.

If the herons return this year, residents may begin to see somewhat large flocks of them roosting in the trees along Rogers Street in the vicinity of the Co-op.  Sightings can be reported to the blog.