HomeMy WebLinkAboutJody MossJody Moss & Gary Kriedberg
73 Bridge Lane
Port Angeles, WA 98362
July 21, 2016
Port Angeles City Council
321 E. 5th St.
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Dear City Council Members,
UL 2 6 2016
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TY CY f OR H%IGELES I
I fully support the Feiro Marine Life Center and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
locating to a new Marine Discovery Center at the current site of the Feiro Marine Life Center. Both
organizations have a need for growth in providing visitor services and marine education. Multiple
studies have revealed that the current site on City Pier is the best possible site for an expanded
facility that can house exhibit and educational space for both organizations.
Joint exhibits attracted 33,000 visitors in 2015 and educated 3,200 students. However, the 35 year
old facility can't meet the higher expectations of today's guests, nor provide enough room for
expanded educational offerings. In the present space, Feiro can't bring in enough revenue to keep
up with the growing needs of todays "audience" of visitors and students.
I understand there is some concern around the perceived loss of some of the parking available on
the pier plus public access to the City Pier park. While free parking downtown is an important issue,
I believe it is an issue that the city and downtown partners can solve. A modern marine facility
becomes a travel point and another item to bring guests to our downtown corridor year round. It
would also add to the positive image of our water front. The economic benefits far outweigh any
changes in parking.
Approval for the project rests with the City Council. If this approval is not granted, the future of
marine education on the Olympic Peninsula is in jeopardy.
I am asking you to write a letter to the City Council giving your support for this project at the City
Pier site. We would like to confirm with the Council that we enjoy broad support in the community.
The sooner you write to them the better, as the council may start consideration of our request in
the near future.
Please lend your clear support to Feiro!
Sincerely,
ib
Jody Moss,& Gary Kriedberg