Many years ago, my restless teenage kids said Des Moines should be named, "Dead Moines."
While it was true there were very few young folk's activities, (population was 2,000 people) local reputations do take on a life of their own.
Des Moines is a nice quiet peaceful place to live that was kind of hidden from the masses by virtue of Interstate 5 and Pacific Highway, given both skirted around this city. Soon though the popular commute route was to drive through Des Moines and seldom stop.
Heavy traffic wore on roads and paid little to no revenue to replace it.
Time does change things, and today Des Moines not only has a wide pleasant 7th Avenue going in the same direction as Marine View Drive heading north and south, in and out of town, developers also see a commercial future there - and are planning building in that direction.
Des Moines citizens historically protect and promote a "small town environment," and the practical 35-foot height restrictions for development on Marine View Drive. Developing 7th Avenue is geared to heights of 45 feet. In addition, a recent 55-foot restricted maximum for three buildings was approved by City Council, with stipulation that these high buildings must be located only between 216th and 219th Streets, according to city information.
To some folks, that's three 55-feet buildings too many. For future developers 45-feet heights may seem ridiculously low considering the higher-up spectacular view of water, mountains, boats, and marina activities. More view - More money.
City planners incorporated building heights into long-term planning, Still, public property status often requires a vote of the people and Proposition 1 will be decided by vote of the people this November. The City Council will abide by citizen's majority of those votes. So, now is the time to get accurately informed of the facts and vote.
Proposition 1 reads, "The proceeds from Proposition 1 would replace funds lost due to the decline in the collection of Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) and the associated reduction of property values that have drastically reduced this source of revenue, which for many years adequately funded the City's municipal facilities and streets capital construction projects. If approved, this tax increase would provide funding to protect and restore Des Moines Beach Park and City Street pavement. The City estimates that the additional 3% utility tax would result in increased revenue of $1,600,000 annually and would cost an average family of four approximately $15 per month."
Agree or disagree, yet vote. Community caring lives or dies by the will and vote of people. Loving where you live is right up there with loving the folks your living with.
Absence does not necessarily make the heart fonder.
An example of the heart and soul of this small city to me was when folks gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Des Moines Senior and Activity Center. The image of a white dove set in a brilliant cobalt-blue stained glass window caught my eye and I wondered if this was a sign of good to come.
Representatives from city parks, public works, police, marina, community development and administration were there, some in work uniforms bearing their own work-ethics motto, "Sails with Pride."
One thing that stood out to me was down-home friendly communication. People were talking fresh ideas in huddles discussing problems and dreams. Folks were listening, really listening, and planning to meet again to discover more common goals.
Constructive communication should hold center stage in our life. When people aren't communicating that wildly infectious disease of rumors and gossip breeds and spreads like mosquitoes in stagnant, murky, pond waters. Progress for individuals and nations crumble in toxic elements. A fresh, new waterfall of agreeing to work together clears up most muddy puddles.
Development in the business heart of Des Moines is in the works and though not quickly evident, it will steadily grow. In my opinion, in reasonable time, 7th Avenue will become the major commercial attraction that binds together the historic Marine View Drive area to the spectacular waterfront Beach Park and Marina. Meantime, more businesses must be solicited and developed to increase tax revenue that supports local services.
People are the beauty of community friendly spirit and visions well suited for development. City of Des Moines Slogan reads, "Sails with Pride." And the people said, "Hold that Thought!"
For more information contact www.cityofdesmoines.wa/gov. or 206-870-6527
Today's Thought: "A better sermon is preached by our life - than our lips."
