HomeMy WebLinkAboutDavid Morris_ I
jULX62016
Dear City Council members:
As you know, the Feiro Marine Life Center and the Olympic Coast National
Marine Sanctuary want to locate a new jointly managed Marine Discovery Center
on the City Pier. Both organizations have a need for growth in providing and
expanding information and marine education programs for both residents and
visitors. Multiple studies have revealed that our current site on City Pier is the
best possible site for an expanded facility that can house exhibit and educational
space for both organizations.
By nearly all accounts, a substantial majority of our community supports the
concept of joining and upgrading the Discovery Center and Feiro Marine Life
Center under one roof. However, as presented in some preliminary drawings,
there is concern among some Port Angeles residents about a perceived loss of
some of the parking available on the pier, as well as public access to other
features on City Pier. Simply said, this project cannot move forward without
approval from the City Council.
My concern is that decision will be essentially based on maintaining the status
quo with respect to the number of parking spaces. Present thinking seems to
suggest that this is an either/or debate, which quickly becomes a win/lose vote.
That's unfortunate, and is not the case. Alternatives are still being developed
that include both maintaining existing parking spaces, and moving some parking
to other sites. Believe me when I say that all of us involved in this project
understand that all of the various elements that now exist on the City Pier have
strong support from various interest groups within the community. We respect
that. However, in the interest of growing both the city economy and better
serving local people and our visitors, it would be a sad day to scuttle a project
that could become a vibrant center for marine education, local and regional
information, and community pride. In short, lets find a win/win approach.
Thank you for your support
incerel� �
Davi Morris
Former President and long time member of the Board of Directors
Feiro Marine Life Center