This town by the Sound is peppered with "Proposed Land Use" signs while developers are hauling in lumber, cement and nails faster than we can count noses.

Curiosity causes me to pull up Miss Katrina's leash, adjust my bifocals and read every blessed word, wondering what the heck this sign says is happening?

"Official Notice" language may be crystal clear to contractors, but not me. Give me plain pretty pictures and simple project plans and I'm happy as a clam at high tide.

Since I'm wondering, you must be, too. Let's take a walk around town.

Who built a lighthouse on top of the old Dug Out Tavern, remodeled the Dog House and next-door Grace's Alterations and Eva's By The Sea Shop building? Who bought the China Sea building with two adjoining shops?

Dr. Scott Andrews, a retired dentist who teaches at the University of Washington School of Dentistry one half-day a week and provides dental care for nursing home patients.

"I love being both a dentist and working with real estate," Andrews says.

His latest venture is converting the former Butler Auto Repair Garage, located in the historic building at South 225th Street and Marine View Drive, into what he describes as a family steak-and-hamburger house showcasing a beautiful 1890s carved wooden bar.

About 15 1940s/1950s-era neon signs will light up the place with a state-of-the-art kitchen. Big folding doors will open to allow for an outside summertime dining experience.

The planned opening of Butler's Bar and Grill is late April or early May.

Mike Colello, the restaurant owner, is a grandson of a pioneer family who sold their homegrown produce at Pike Place Market. My mother knew them well.

Between Butler's and Des Moines Cinema, Andrews plans a multi-family housing development with street-level retail shops.

The former Dug Out Tavern will be the Lighthouse Lounge, offering light meals and a full bar, open seven days a week beginning about February 1.

Why does Andrews single out Des Moines for investments? Because he grew up here, attending Marvista Elementary, Olympic Jr. High and graduating from the University of Washington.

Andrews lives in Normandy Park with his wife, Lisa, and their three sons, two in high school and one in the fourth grade at Mar vista.

City Manager Tony Piasecki said, "People have discovered Des Moines and South King County."

Major developments in the Pacific Ridge area near Pacific Highway South (Highway 99) are: 11 acres of quality multi-family housing and mixed-use retail, the same for 60-70 lots at South 264th Street and Pacific Highway, and multi-family housing on 40-50 lots at South 272nd Street and 16th Avenue South.

Yet these pale in the shadow of a business park at South 216th Street near the post office. This city of Des Moines and Port of Seattle joint venture encompasses 90 acres for light manufacturing, office space, corporate headquarters and warehouses.

When Piasecki said no restaurants are planned, I pleaded for a 216th street-side Starbucks and hamburger stand.

"I'd love to see a Starbucks," he said.

Although I suspect shopping for coffee beans and hamburger patties is far-off, construction of the business park could start the end of 2007.

Major multi-million dollar expansion projects at Judson Park Retirement Residence and Landmark by the Sound (The Masonic Home) will start soon.

As the city grows, expect increased population and need for public services. These non-profit church organizations are tax exempt under federal law. And local taxpayers have historically paid for nonprofit facilities' costs of police, fire, city services and street maintenance.

Now, an up-front fund for new nonprofit construction is required to help pay these services-and that's a big help, and fair.

The late-bloomer face of this community appears. Steady revenue will benefit city coffers, businesses can prosper, use/need for public facilities will increase.

This "Town by the Sound's" ship may come in at last.

Piasecki said, " I love having the opportunity to see this city be all it can be."

Knowing there's hope Pacific Highway will stop being a breeding ground for crime, creeping like a deadly disease, infecting our children and devaluing all it touches, is heart-warming for me.

I hope to live long to tip a cup of hot coffee and munch a hamburger while Miss Katrina and I sit on a bench by the business park thinking, "Well done!"