My previous comment pretty much summed up where Ozias was headed as referenced by his letter dated March 5. Ozias has been called out so much we’ve now gone beyond the point of no return. Whatever he says from this point forward must be taken with one little teeny tiny grain of levee dust.
The project, located in the lower Dungeness area, was to improve salmon habitat while also maintaining a public county road. The Commissioners and county officials at the time, debated how to vacate the old road, ensure the road and bridge were funded, and how to mitigate traffic concerns. https://www.sequimgazette.com/news/milestone-met-for-3-crabs-restoration-project/
It would seem the Commissioners should look to the 3 Crabs Restoration project as an example of how to restore salmon habitat while balancing the need for a public road in the lower Dungeness area.
Three Crabs is far more critical for community access than Towne ever was. Towne will certainly be missed as a convenience to some in the community, but it will still be freely available for unobstructed emergency use when the unnecessary gates are removed, something the Eberle's would no doubt welcome as the locked gates are for them a serious impediment to the same free use of county roads that you all enjoy. They did not ask for this. It was forced upon them by events outside of their control, and yet they welcomed it in the interests of flood plain restoration in spite of the tremendous disruption to their lives for the last few years--which this special interest group has only succeeded in magnifying relentlessly. And you all have exactly the same access to this wonderful evolving wetland as they do, except you do not have to constantly unlock and lock gates to access the road system.
The Eberle's don't drive on the levee because it is their preference. It is because they have no other option short of aircraft or magic. These arguments are absurd. Thank you for meeting my expectations.
What I find here is in my view a misleading narrative, derived from 'facts and data' taken largely out of context, and spun with extreme confirmation bias, not the least of which is the disingenuous manipulation of the Eberle's comments. (Why do you feel the need to make a point of assuming they pay taxes in the county? That kind of superfluous offhand insinuation is typical of the tone here). I've learned enough of what I regard as the plain facts and data already, thank you, to have come to the conclusion that a paved road is not the best use of the levee for the community at large, nor are the political and social lynchings being advocated here relevant to its best use. They do serve other agendas that seem to have become important for many here to air. But I am grateful that our always imperfect political system has somehow brought about the potential for the graveled levee to remain as it currently is being used, just without gates and locks so that it will allow unimpeded emergency access--and not be another excuse for insurance rates to be raised any more than they already are.
To address some concerns you raise:
-Haying a couple times a year is minimally disturbing. Certainly as opposed to tillage crops.
-People of all abilities somehow manage to avoid emergency vehicles (and the others mentioned) on other kinds of surfaces and loose toddlers and dogs would be just as vulnerable with a road/trail. -The gravel surface and its maintenance are not funded exclusively for the Eberle's. It is there for the community and everyone beyond it. The Eberle's are part of the community and, unfortunately for them, will have to put up with what will continue being an inconvenience for them that virtually no one else in the county (or likely in the entire state and beyond) has to contend with, though they willingly accept it-- and it is certainly not an advantage. -As for your last-- I thought about it...so, all businesses I guess (this is ridiculous) are supported by roads, in my expert opinion as a user of both roads and businesses. And... and... what if YOU wanted to start a retail business on YOUR property? Where the Eberle's are concerned, judging from what they have communicated on nextdoor and at the Commissioner's meetings, they seem intelligent enough to realize that attempting a self-supporting "brick-and-mortar" retail sales operation on their farm with that kind of constrained access would lead to certain bankruptcy. I guess they could prove me wrong someday, and if they do, more power to them. It's between them and the county and any neighbor who has grounds to object. That's all I got on that one.
One thing that is puzzling me is this constant claim that "Towne Road was not supposed to be closed for even one day." If that was actually the case, it seems it would have been logistically a nightmare for the deconstruction and reconstruction of the levee. I would appreciate some clarity in that regard. If you can offer it objectively, that is some information that is at least interesting.
(to continue since this was cut off somehow) they have communicated on nextdoor and at the Commissioner's meetings, they seem intelligent enough to realize that attempting a self-supporting "brick-and-mortar" retail sales operation on their farm with that kind of constrained access would lead to certain bankruptcy. I guess they could prove me wrong someday, and if they do, more power to them. It's between them and the county and any neighbor who has grounds to object. That's all I got on that one.
One thing that is puzzling me is this constant claim that "Towne Road was not supposed to be closed for even one day." If that was actually the case, it seems it would have been logistically a nightmare for the deconstruction and reconstruction of the levee. I would appreciate some clarity in that regard. If you can offer it objectively, that is some information that is at least interesting.
Yes, he has waffled. He acts like he works for his financial supporters rather than the citizens of Dungeness. Outsiders should not determine the use of Towne Road.
Is the Eberle Farm protected against development? Looking at the North Olympic Land Trust maps of preserved farmland. it seems that all the surrounding farms in that area are preserved (Creamery, Nash's Delta Farm, the farm south of the Creamery, and even Nash's Hub north of Anderson along the river). I know the Eberle's are very committed to protecting the public wetlands for future generations, have they protected their farmland as well? I hope so, it is a lovely piece of property.
Nothing on file with the county. Nash's 2 parcels that are accessed by Eberle's private road (it's not a driveway) sold there development rights before he bought them.
Corruptioner Ozias obviously has no shame...no integrity. I cannot fathom being in his shoes and looking at myself in a mirror. Why he doesn't man up, step forward, apologize for his "mistakes" and step down is completely beyond my understanding. Instead he chooses to rule his subjects from his throne. He doesn't care how he is perceived and feels no obligation to his constituents. It is apparent he has some sick satisfaction in destroying trust in Clallam County government. History will not look kindly on Ozias!
The only thing these politicians understand are lawsuits and political damage. If the road is to be completed this year, we have 9 months to find the best class-action lawyers who will recoup their costs from Ozias' budget, as well as damage the heck out of his political career.
Oops, I should have clarified. It was me who redacted the recipient and time. This email was from Ozias to a Watchdogger who had contacted the commissioner for clarification. The Watchdogger generously sent me the email exchange but wasn't comfortable being attached to the document.
My previous comment pretty much summed up where Ozias was headed as referenced by his letter dated March 5. Ozias has been called out so much we’ve now gone beyond the point of no return. Whatever he says from this point forward must be taken with one little teeny tiny grain of levee dust.
You saw this coming from a mile away.
“A really nice thing about this project is the public will still have use of the existing road while the new road is being built,” Benjamin said.
That was a quote from Rebecca Benjamin, executive director of the North Olympic Salmon Coalition (back in 2015), regarding the 3 Crabs Restoration Project. https://www.sequimgazette.com/news/county-eyes-3-crabs-restoration-project/
The 3 Crabs Restoration project included: rerouting an existing road thru a wetland, removal of contaminated materials, and constructing a wider bridge over Meadowbrook creek. https://northolympiclandtrust.org/3-crabs-restoration-project-set-for-november-completion/
The project, located in the lower Dungeness area, was to improve salmon habitat while also maintaining a public county road. The Commissioners and county officials at the time, debated how to vacate the old road, ensure the road and bridge were funded, and how to mitigate traffic concerns. https://www.sequimgazette.com/news/milestone-met-for-3-crabs-restoration-project/
It would seem the Commissioners should look to the 3 Crabs Restoration project as an example of how to restore salmon habitat while balancing the need for a public road in the lower Dungeness area.
Morgan, you're 2 for 2. Got lots of public feedback about your sidewalk analogy l
Three Crabs is far more critical for community access than Towne ever was. Towne will certainly be missed as a convenience to some in the community, but it will still be freely available for unobstructed emergency use when the unnecessary gates are removed, something the Eberle's would no doubt welcome as the locked gates are for them a serious impediment to the same free use of county roads that you all enjoy. They did not ask for this. It was forced upon them by events outside of their control, and yet they welcomed it in the interests of flood plain restoration in spite of the tremendous disruption to their lives for the last few years--which this special interest group has only succeeded in magnifying relentlessly. And you all have exactly the same access to this wonderful evolving wetland as they do, except you do not have to constantly unlock and lock gates to access the road system.
The Eberle's don't drive on the levee because it is their preference. It is because they have no other option short of aircraft or magic. These arguments are absurd. Thank you for meeting my expectations.
Facts, facts, and more facts. That's a great summary AJ!
What I find here is in my view a misleading narrative, derived from 'facts and data' taken largely out of context, and spun with extreme confirmation bias, not the least of which is the disingenuous manipulation of the Eberle's comments. (Why do you feel the need to make a point of assuming they pay taxes in the county? That kind of superfluous offhand insinuation is typical of the tone here). I've learned enough of what I regard as the plain facts and data already, thank you, to have come to the conclusion that a paved road is not the best use of the levee for the community at large, nor are the political and social lynchings being advocated here relevant to its best use. They do serve other agendas that seem to have become important for many here to air. But I am grateful that our always imperfect political system has somehow brought about the potential for the graveled levee to remain as it currently is being used, just without gates and locks so that it will allow unimpeded emergency access--and not be another excuse for insurance rates to be raised any more than they already are.
To address some concerns you raise:
-Haying a couple times a year is minimally disturbing. Certainly as opposed to tillage crops.
-People of all abilities somehow manage to avoid emergency vehicles (and the others mentioned) on other kinds of surfaces and loose toddlers and dogs would be just as vulnerable with a road/trail. -The gravel surface and its maintenance are not funded exclusively for the Eberle's. It is there for the community and everyone beyond it. The Eberle's are part of the community and, unfortunately for them, will have to put up with what will continue being an inconvenience for them that virtually no one else in the county (or likely in the entire state and beyond) has to contend with, though they willingly accept it-- and it is certainly not an advantage. -As for your last-- I thought about it...so, all businesses I guess (this is ridiculous) are supported by roads, in my expert opinion as a user of both roads and businesses. And... and... what if YOU wanted to start a retail business on YOUR property? Where the Eberle's are concerned, judging from what they have communicated on nextdoor and at the Commissioner's meetings, they seem intelligent enough to realize that attempting a self-supporting "brick-and-mortar" retail sales operation on their farm with that kind of constrained access would lead to certain bankruptcy. I guess they could prove me wrong someday, and if they do, more power to them. It's between them and the county and any neighbor who has grounds to object. That's all I got on that one.
One thing that is puzzling me is this constant claim that "Towne Road was not supposed to be closed for even one day." If that was actually the case, it seems it would have been logistically a nightmare for the deconstruction and reconstruction of the levee. I would appreciate some clarity in that regard. If you can offer it objectively, that is some information that is at least interesting.
(to continue since this was cut off somehow) they have communicated on nextdoor and at the Commissioner's meetings, they seem intelligent enough to realize that attempting a self-supporting "brick-and-mortar" retail sales operation on their farm with that kind of constrained access would lead to certain bankruptcy. I guess they could prove me wrong someday, and if they do, more power to them. It's between them and the county and any neighbor who has grounds to object. That's all I got on that one.
One thing that is puzzling me is this constant claim that "Towne Road was not supposed to be closed for even one day." If that was actually the case, it seems it would have been logistically a nightmare for the deconstruction and reconstruction of the levee. I would appreciate some clarity in that regard. If you can offer it objectively, that is some information that is at least interesting.
Two can play the Comp Plan Game
31.03.140
Transportation policies.
[Policy No. 20] The existing transportation system should be maintained before expenditure of limited public funds on expanded facilities.
31.02.420
Transportation – Goals and policies.
[Policy No. 4] Preserve existing road and highway system.
I already put money on you finding this, Leo. Lemme guess -- you didn't even look this up, you have it committed to memory.
I knew Ozias was cherry picking, there had to be more to the story.
Yes, he has waffled. He acts like he works for his financial supporters rather than the citizens of Dungeness. Outsiders should not determine the use of Towne Road.
Is the Eberle Farm protected against development? Looking at the North Olympic Land Trust maps of preserved farmland. it seems that all the surrounding farms in that area are preserved (Creamery, Nash's Delta Farm, the farm south of the Creamery, and even Nash's Hub north of Anderson along the river). I know the Eberle's are very committed to protecting the public wetlands for future generations, have they protected their farmland as well? I hope so, it is a lovely piece of property.
Someone on here knows, I'm sure of it.
Nothing on file with the county. Nash's 2 parcels that are accessed by Eberle's private road (it's not a driveway) sold there development rights before he bought them.
Corruptioner Ozias obviously has no shame...no integrity. I cannot fathom being in his shoes and looking at myself in a mirror. Why he doesn't man up, step forward, apologize for his "mistakes" and step down is completely beyond my understanding. Instead he chooses to rule his subjects from his throne. He doesn't care how he is perceived and feels no obligation to his constituents. It is apparent he has some sick satisfaction in destroying trust in Clallam County government. History will not look kindly on Ozias!
A lot of this could be diffused with a sincere apology.
The only thing these politicians understand are lawsuits and political damage. If the road is to be completed this year, we have 9 months to find the best class-action lawyers who will recoup their costs from Ozias' budget, as well as damage the heck out of his political career.
I think Corruptioner Ozias has demonstrated he is not honest, thus not to be trusted, more times than I can count!
Was that Arnold in "The Corruptioner"? Oh no, I'm thinking of "The Corruptionator."
Good point. The electeds signed up for this the appointeds did not.
Oops, I should have clarified. It was me who redacted the recipient and time. This email was from Ozias to a Watchdogger who had contacted the commissioner for clarification. The Watchdogger generously sent me the email exchange but wasn't comfortable being attached to the document.
"redacted by CCWD" would be better next time.
Deleted my comment.