EDITORIAL: Cheers & Jeers: Transformation; nuisance sites
Cheers: To a transformation. Vancouver officials have broken ground on a greenbelt project along MacArthur Boulevard near Mill Plain Boulevard. The project serves as an unofficial launching point for an ambitious Heights District development that is scheduled over the next two decades.
The greenbelt will include trees, stormwater bioswales, enhanced lighting and protected lanes for bicyclists and pedestrians. "This is your place-making space, where you'll hold up your baby, propose to your partner, do your prom pictures," Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said. "This is a truly wonderful opportunity for us." That might or might not be an overstatement from the always-positive mayor, but the area's development will truly be transformational for central Vancouver. The launch of the greenbelt is a small step in bringing that vision to fruition.
Jeers: To nuisance properties. A recreational vehicle erupted in flames Thursday behind a home north of the Walnut Grove area, requiring response from fire crews and a hazmat team. Crews remained at the property for hours. Jeers are warranted because the property is a well-known nuisance house.
As a Vancouver Fire spokesperson said: "What I can say about this residence is that it has had multiple fires over the years, which is evident by the condition of the structure. We have responded to this location numerous times in the past." The Columbian has reported about how bureaucratic roadblocks often prevent officials from forcing evictions or cleanups at nuisance properties. The lack of legal levers results in unsightly properties that pose a danger to their neighborhoods.
Cheers: To addressing a hare-raising problem. The Battle Ground City Council has passed an ordinance to deal with a scourge of bunnies. Following a 6-1 vote, an addition to the city code says, "It shall be unlawful for any rabbit to run at large within the city limits."
Residents have complained about rabbits eating gardens and about deceased rabbits in their yards. And Deputy Mayor Aimee Vaile said, "I took an amazing ride-along with a police officer, and I was shown the bunny issue, and it was massive." Many of the troublesome bunnies, officials say, appear to be domestic, and the new ordinance specifies that rabbits must securely housed and properly cared for. The hope is that the problem can be addressed for the benefit of both animal control and the rabbits.
Jeers: To costly childcare. According to Child Care Aware of America, Washington has the second-highest average price for childcare. Placing two children in center-based care costs $40,896 in this state, trailing only Massachusetts. Considering that the national average is $13,184, Washington is a significant outlier.
The high cost for childcare is driven largely by a lack of supply, and policymakers should explore ways to make care more accessible. A lack of available, affordable care poses a significant burden on the economy by keeping potential employees out of the workforce.
Cheers: To a happy reunion. Delores Anderson, a resident of Vancouver Pointe retirement community, recently organized a 70-year high school reunion for 1956 graduates of both Fort Vancouver and Hudson's Bay high schools.
Vancouver High School became Fort Vancouver in January 1956, when Hudson's Bay opened as the district's second high school and many longtime classmates left for the new facility. The schools held a joint graduation ceremony that spring, and approximately 20 of the alums gathered last month to reminisce.
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