Letter: Time for Woodland to live up to claims of "historic"
From the Woodland Record - Letter to the Editor:
Some may find it hard to believe that we moved to Woodland five years ago all because of a house. It’s true. We specifically wanted a vintage home in an area that focused on preserving and maintaining historical homes and buildings. We looked in many areas, but none were quite right until we stumbled upon Woodland. We saw so many amazing preserved and restored homes, we felt this was a community with a compatible mindset with us. We purchased a craftsman bungalow that captured our hearts in the historic district, and we were honored when asked to open our home for the Historic Stroll Home Tour.
During our time living here, we happily continue to see homes being improved, with some taking on a whole new attitude with simply a new paint job. It’s evident to me that there are many people in Woodland, as well as in other areas, who appreciate the benefit of protecting as much of the old architecture as possible. The State Theatre is one example of this and is an important part of this town’s history. It deserves to be saved.
Read more at WoodlandRecord.com.
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26 comments:
As I read through Debbie's letter I felt the same feelings a decade ago. We Chose Woodland for many of the same reasons. She mentions a potential for improvements. She feels like the State renovation could be a start of something good. Well, not until we get the "powers that be" as she put it to listen to the community.
I mentioned that we moved here a decade ago. We opened a shop in downtown Woodland. We have been in constant battle with the PTB (powers that be) the whole time. Every issue has been something silly, that would be a piece of cake to adress. The PTB can not send a clear message to merchants, developers, or its citizenry.
This State theater issue is just a shining example of their disconnect. They don't want Woodland to be a destination. They don't want more people here. They think there are too many of us already. We have been told over and over, if you don't like it here, then just leave. That message from the PTB is very clear. They do not want to change their attitude.
Ask any opinionated resident of Woodland. Why they dont bother to vote on local issues. It's because the PTB will do whatever they want anyway. We the people have no voice in Woodland.
Beerman,
This issue will certainly be telling. What you and I have witnessed over the past decade has happened in relative silence (mostly because most people just aren't interested). Only those who have paid close attention to these kinds of issues realize the PTB have their own agenda that contradicts civil service.
I am optimistic that this multiplex project will change how the city deals with the public. I can understand that the PTB are reluctant to say anything before the selection process is over and a recommendation is made. On the other hand, there are many things about this process that have me shaking my head. Some of those things I have not shared with the public because they are more-or-less off-the-record emails or conversations I've had with the "PTB." Some have to do with lies, some have to do with ignorance, some have to do with behavior.
And to relieve some of the mystery of what I just said, I can say that things are different now because we have a city manager who is responsive to citizens as well as to council. Mark Deven responds quickly and intelligently to any questions about this process. He is the reason I am optimistic. His recommendation may ultimately contradict my opinion on the matter, but I would know that he wasn't trying to hide something. This is in stark contrast to the previous "regime."
It will be interesting to see what the recommendation is, first of all, and how the redevelopment agency votes on it. I hope they see the same thing as at least a thousand concerned citizens see.
To Beerman - I am also an opinionated resident of Woodland - for over 40 years. I've seen the downtown have $$ thrown at it from all over - including the City government. Fifteen years or so ago, we heard that the Woodland Hotel (a relic of bygone days) was to be renovated into a state of the art reception center and lovely shops. So..what have we got? A low-income housing unit that any day of the week has meth heads or worse hanging about and shops most of us could care less about even if they are still in business.
Some of us are hoping that a multi-plex in the Third Street area will provide us parking, as well as getting rid of an eyesore - the old Hoblit bldg. I am so hoping that someday we will have a community that is not mired in the past (old worn-out theatre that will lack parking and cause a lot of traffic problems IF it succeeds - and I mean IF).
Frankly, I've never considered writing one of the idiot City Council members - but am somewhat inspired right now. You pour money into that place (State Theatre) and you will get exactly what you want - a renovated pretty building that in a couple of years will be showing Spanish-language westerns to audiences that are paying a lot less per head than will be necessary to keep the building up and running.
8:01 has a limited knowledge of what's proposed for the State Theatre and false expectations that a Third and Main theater will provide parking for those "in the area" - whatever that means. It will be funny to see what his letter to council says. We will find out who 8:01 is because the city has yet to receive any letters in support of Petrovich.
I would like to see if 8:01 will write their letter. Or will he/she prove my point that Woodland citizens won't voice their opinions because they know their opinions just don't matter to the PTB.
Beerman,
Writing an effective letter will also require some sound reasoning. First, both proposals will need RDA help. Second, there is no low-income housing proposed at the State Theatre site. He claims there will be no parking at the State Theatre multiplex... false... and claims there will be plenty of parking at Third and Main... also false.
And he wants to get rid of the "eyesore" - the Electric Garage building that is a contributing building to the National Register Historic District.
Lastly, he writes as if the State Theatre is a stand-alone renovated theater with no new multiplex addition (so he really does not know what the project is) and the the State will end up showing discount movies. Unfortunately for his reasoning, a downtown multiplex at any location will face identical future market conditions... so any speculation that a multiplex will fail applies to both.
It comes down to utilizing historical assets and how which project can manipulate those future marketing conditions. As the letter writer states, it is time for this town to live up to claims of being "Historic Woodland." The State proposal saves two historic sites. Those with vision can also see the potential of a renovated Electric Garage building as part of a retail venue for that end of Main Street.
So, Dino, the Hoblit building because it is on the National Register can contribute potential commercial value to that area of downtown if it is not torn down & rebuilt as a movie complex. Why would it not just sit empty like the old Studebaker place on College near Bush? It's also on the National Register and has been vacant for years. I think you are overestimating sentimental value of an old worn-out car dealership. That said, as someone who has lived here all my life, I would like to live in the 21st century without constantly having to ooh and awe over the past.
8:01 showed his/her ignorance and prejudice. I hope the State theater is the best proposal. The decision will be made on the merits of each proposal not on sentiments or wishful thinking. I followed this issue very carefully and at times Dino you become part of the problem.
I think Anon 8:03 AM is saying the same thing that most of us feel. We need to save a bit of the old historic while moving into the future with more focus on "green" technologies. I think the State proposal provides BOTH. clean up the existing theater while building the NEW part right next to it.
Way up north in Yreka they re-did the old Coke bottling works wharehouse into a mall with 5 or 6 cute little shops. We took a family jaunt up there this summer. Every spot was occupied and the parking lot was filled.
I would also like to adress the comments that say they lived here all their life. My suggestion would be to venture out to some of our surrounding towns. Look for things that you would like to see here. Bring those ideas to the PTB. Otherwise, we are all just stuck with what we got now.
Or do you think Woodland is perfect just the way it is? With old run down buildings that have been empty for years.
8:46
If I am part of the problem in your eyes, you must be one of the PTB that Beerman mentions. I will agree that I am a problem for city officials because there is information I provide that they don't want disclosed to the public. So thanks for the compliment.
8:30
First of all, I can hardly understand what you wrote... and secondly, those buildings are not on the National Register - they are contributing buildings to what comprises the historic district, they are part of a whole.
I can think of many ways that the Electric Garage, and the old Meyer dealership, can be saved, restored and part of viable commercial venues. Much in the same way the State Theatre renovation and expansion is proposed.
"I followed this issue very carefully and at times Dino you become part of the problem."
I wonder how 8:46 could follow this issue "very carefully" if it weren't for Dino's work. Must be a card carrying member of PTB. How else would he get information? The Democrat?
Oh, the issue is still going on the last I heard. Maybe our insider PTB knows a decision has been made.
To the person who commented at 8/25/10 8:46 AM - I'm scratching my head trying to figure out how Dino has been part of the problem on this issue of the Downtown Multiplex. How and at what times has this been the case? If you have followed this issue carefully, you should be able to explicitly detail what problems have been created and when.
I have never nor will never be part of the establishment in this town. Dino is biased and regardless of the merits of each proposal he will always advocate for the State Theater. He seems to have some personal beef with some members of the City Council and such feelings blinds him from objectivity. As much as he tries to provide with information, his bias always shows.
So this beef that Dino seems to have with certain council members has been a problem with the selection process? How? Isn't any advocation expressing bias? Why is his bias a problem with this issue? Why is it a problem for him to express his opinions with this issue?
Still scratching my head.
9:14
Name the council members and the beef I have with them. Then, if you can - but I have a feeling you can't - tell me how this beef, or beefs, have been a problem with this issue.
Looks like Bias Troll is back so the tally begins:
Bias Troll regurgitates old attacks about objectivity. Still can't comprehend why Dino can have opinions. Feeble shot slapped away for 0 pts.
Dino calls Bias Troll on making more general and unsubstantiated statements. Bias Troll still can't explain what problems Dino has caused with this issue. Easy lay-up for 2 pts.
Dino, the correct plural of "beef" is "Beeves"...
just thought you'd like to know
:)
World English Dictionary
beef (biːf)
— n , beeves , beefs
Dino has been advocating for a Woodland public arts ordinance and as long as he want his organization to control it, it will never happen. Same applies to any other public works he supports.
2:58
I'm advocating for an APP ordinance "and as long as he want his organization to control it?" Huh? You're an idiot.
anon 2:58, You are obviously a disgrintled city employee. Try working with your community in stead of fighting them.
Dino does not have an organization for introducing public works projects. He is a member of our community with desire to make things better for all of us. Public art or renovation of the state theater, I like both ideas. I guess that makes me part of his organization huh?
Beerman,
Could also be someone from the Democrat... "thereporter.com" was poking around the WJ about the time that comment was posted.
BTW: I support the public works project called Kentucky Avenue project because it's such a good use of Measure E money.
"I support the public works project called Kentucky Avenue project because it's such a good use of Measure E money."
I like the sacrcasm Dino :)
What a total disconnect with priorities that is.
Dino,
What happened to the letter here that supported Petrovich and called the Electric Garage an eyesore?
5:41
By "letter" do you mean a comment? There has been no letter posted here that stated that... in fact... the comments you mention were published in two different comments under another story. You need to pay attention.
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