July 2008 Archives

This writer wrote a Letter to the NVN due out today:

Dear Editor,

Frankly, I am quite taken aback at the silence about the single thing that will change this community forever; that of a 5,000 home development. The public comment period ended July 28 for the Thurston Highlands Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) with no word from the anti-NASCAR and anti-Wal-Mart crowd and only a couple of published Letters to the Editor about the proposal. Yet, the Nisqually Plaza commuter parking issue garnered so much community clamor and front page stories that even a mayor-appointed citizen committee member wrote a letter.

Does the public know some features of the Draft EIS:
1. A Regional Sports Complex is an element of all three land use alternatives, with a joint public/private partnership for operations. Will the public get to vote on that?

2. A proposed Urban Village to serve the retail and professional service needs of the residents of Thurston Highlands that "could create the feeling of a separate community within the greater Yelm community." So, we are going to allow the feeling of a separate community within the greater Yelm community and not debate what impact this will have on the region as a whole?

3. Three alternatives that propose 1-1.5 million square feet of new commercial space, which equates to 5 to 8 Super Wal-Marts, "but not compete with the existing Yelm commercial core."
How does 1 million square feet of new commercial space NOT compete with Yelm's existing commercial core?

4. The current Yelm Vision Plan of the Comprehensive Plan that states, "Develop retail and commercial services to meet the needs of Yelm’s growing population. Focus new commercial services in existing commercial areas. Restrict new commercial development outside the current commercially zoned area along Yelm venue."
Isn't 1 million square feet of new commercial space in Thurston Highlands in an area away from the existing commercial core the end of the Yelm Vision Plan?

Where was every merchant in this town NOT holding the city's feet to the fire on this issue to request an extension to deal with this DEIS more thoroughly?
Why was there no community debate, public outcry and conversation about the Thurston Highlands DEIS?
Where was the City's own Planning Commission comments on this DEIS, which effectively paves the end to the city's Vision Plan?

Stephen R. Klein
Yelm, WA.

Ed. Note:
I applaud those few people that took the time to write letters on the record.
For those of you wishing to read the letters written to the Community Development Director on this issue and now part of the public domain:
Click Here
then click the Thurston Highlands logo on the right side of the page.
then click on this hotlink:
"Click here to view all comments received during the comment period."
Ed. Note: Only one person involved with the Yelm Vision Plan wrote a letter. Where was everyone else?

Want to see the DEIS?
That has been moved to a super-secret, hidden location, not easily pubic-accessible:
Click here
then click Permits
then Thurston Highlands

All tongue-in-cheek comments aside, you can scroll down on the Thurston Highlands link for the DEIS.
Why the city did not put a hotlink at the top of the Thurston Highlands page under the comments hotlink for the public benefit in order allow easier public access to the DEIS is beyond me, though.
Couldn't they make this info more publicly accessible?

Rainier-based award-winning author Bettye Johnson

Congratulations to Bettye Johnson, who won the 2008 Independent Publishers Book Award for her book,
Mary Magdalene: Her Legacy (Living Free Press).

Bettye Johnson, a two-time book award winner and an international author will introduce her newest book, Awakening the Genie Within at a book signing celebration in Yelm, Washington on Saturday August 2 from 2-5 p.m. at the Blue Bottle Espresso - Yelm Washington.

Bettye is also the founder and facilitator of Writers Night Out Forum, which meets the first Monday of each month at the Blue Bottle.

Awakening the Genie Within

"What happens when a 40 year old woman finds a genie lurking within? Change.

What happens when a forty year old woman awakens to a genie lurking within her? Two time award-winning author Bettye Johnson answers this question in her soon-to-be released first work of non-fiction Awakening the Genie Within, A Journey of Discovery, a semi-memoir of Johnson's journey into a world of manifested words and thoughts. Johnson's book Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls is an Independent Publishers Book Award Winner 2006 and its sequel Mary Magdalene, Her Legacy an Independent Publishers Book Award Winner 2008.

Suzanne Fairbrother, Ph.D., author of the best-selling book The Goddess Within, says "Awakening the Genie Within is a delightful presentation of the accumulated wisdom of a life well lived. Bettye Johnson's book shows us how to live our lives more powerfully."

Johnson's book covers a span of her next 39 years of developing the genie within and shares her experiences, the tools she used and the wisdom gained during a fascinating journey of discovery.

Bettye Johnson's life is a woven tapestry experiences that moved her from the cotton fields of Texas to working as a code clerk in the embassies of Paris and Tokyo where she received an uncommon education. Her background includes being a wife of a career military man, mother, government worker, minister and author.

Due for release August 2008

Awakening the Genie Within, ISBN 978-0-9650454-4-5 $17.95 Author Bettye Johnson from Living Free Press," quoting Author's Den.

BEST WISHES TO MS. JOHNSON!

The Tacoma News Tribune's (TNT) Rob Carson wrote this fabulous and well-researched story on the Nisqually River and the Nisqaully River Council :

"Revolution on the Nisqually River
Nisqually council works, successfully, for cooperative conservation

"For people who spend their lives studying rivers, the Nisqually is a model made in heaven. It’s only 78 miles long, but it flows through such spectacular, varied terrain that it makes an ideal living laboratory for geologists, hydrologists and biologists.

MULTIMEDIA: View photo gallery of the Nisqually River corridor
From its birthplace on Mount Rainier through pristine forests to where it enters Puget Sound, the Nisqually River is a Pacific Northwest gem....

The Nisqually is a model in another important way as well.

For 20 years, it has been watched over by the Nisqually River Council, a loosely knit group of landowners, business people and government representatives who rely on consensus and a mutual appreciation of the watershed.

As the global search for ways to balance economic and environmental needs grows more desperate, the Nisqually plan has begun to stand out as a prototype. The 18-member council has had such success that its philosophical basis is being used as a blueprint for environmental management around the world.

The Nisqually process sounds simple, but it involves revolutionary shifts in thinking about politics, economics and lifestyles.

In short, rather than saving the river from people, the Nisqually River Council tries to save the river for people. Its members use collaboration instead of government regulations and the courts, looking for places where economic values and nature’s values align....

THE NISQUALLY RIVER COUNCIL

The 18-member Nisqually River Council is made up of representatives from:

• Pierce County
• Thurston County
• Lewis County
• State Department of Fish and Wildlife
• State Parks and Recreation Commission
• State Department of Natural Resources
• State Department of Ecology
• Nisqually Tribe
• Citizens Advisory Committee (two seats)
• Washington Conservation Commission
• University of Washington/Pack Forest
• U.S. Army at Fort Lewis
• Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
• Mount Rainier National Park
• Tacoma Public Utilities
• Eatonville, Roy and Yelm (one seat to cover all three towns)
• Gifford Pinchot National Forest"

Click Here for more information on the Nisqually River Council

Click here for the big map of the Nisqually River Basin.

Hi Everyone,

We are having a meeting of the Yelm Animal Alliance in McKenna on Tuesday at 6:00 PM, at the Liquid Soul Cafe which is located in that new mall next to the McKenna Post Office.

Liquid Soul Cafe
35025 90th Ave. So. #10
Phone: 400-SOUL

"The Yelm Animal Alliance is now a non-profit. We have also helped dogs from surrounding areas.

I'm in need of people offering to help me. I need people to put up found-dog fliers when we get a new dog. I need pictures from a digital camera and I need help calling people for follow-ups on checking on the dogs and the people who want dogs.

I have not been to the Yelm facility in a few weeks. I believe we need to make an appointment to be able to go in the facility and check it out. They are making improvements to make conditions better, but there is still much to be done to bring it up to acceptable standards. Lynn Brewer from the Yelm Animal Alliance is working with city officials.

I'M STILL LOOKING FOR SIGNS THAT SAY ANIMAL SHELTER with an arrow pointing in the right direction [of Yelm's animal shelter].

Thanks again for all of the public concern. I do wish Yelm City Council and the Mayor would touch basis with Rainier and get some good information from them."

Diana Crimi

The Yelm Community Blog has covered several details of the Thurston Highlands Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) previously on July 9 and July 18.

Frankly, I am quite taken aback at the outcry in the community over the fact that the Nisqually Valley Plaza owner does not want transit commuters parking in her lot and little said about the single thing that will change this community forever; that of a 5,000 home development. The public comment period ends tomorrow, yet there has been no in-depth report about the content of the DEIS in our local newspaper, no outcry from the anti-NASCAR and anti-Wal-Mart crowd and only a couple of published Letters to the Editor about the proposal.
Why did the parking lot issue garner more of a response, including a letter from a mayor-appointed citizen committee member? Where is everyone on this??? This is about our region's future?

Reading this Draft EIS brings up a few more compelling issues:

1. Did you know a Regional Sports Complex is an element of all three land use alternatives being evaluated in the EIS. The Regional Sports Complex would also be deeded to the City, with a joint public/private partnership for operations....
an 87-acre area was identified to accommodate a wide range of outdoor and indoor facilities, including baseball, softball, soccer, swimming and general fitness.

The City would control use of the athletic fields (i.e., be responsible for scheduling use and maintenance), parking and outdoor amenities (like landscaping). Commercial recreation facilities (like a YMCA, batting cages, anything for-profit) would remain private enterprise.

Joint public/private partnership?
Does the public get any input on this?
Is this the Mayor's proposed Yelm Community Recreational Center announced in the State of the City talk in February?

Is a Regional Sports Complex included in the commercial space and why this type of commercial business?

2. Associated commercial developments within the Master Planned Community to serve the needs of the population within the development will comprise a significant percentage of total commercial development within the City, though separate from the existing Yelm commercial core.

Chapter 3, Section 3.8: 6/10/08 of the DEIS states:

"The proposed Urban Village to serve the retail and professional service needs of the residents of Thurston Highlands, together with the public services and facilities that may be required within the development such as schools, a fire station, a possible satellite police station, and parks, could create the feeling of a separate community within the greater Yelm community."

Oh, so they are acknowledging the creation a whole new commercial core that "could create the feeling of a separate community within the greater Yelm community?

And from the DEIS:
"It is anticipated that the Development Agreement (or similar instrument) to be created between the City of Yelm and the Thurston Highlands applicant would include regulations for the Master Planned Community that encourage retail and professional services sufficient to serve the needs of the residents of the Master Planned Community, but not compete with the existing Yelm commercial core. The purpose of these project-specific regulations would be to encourage the continuation of meeting regional retail needs within the City’s existing Central Business District."

How does over one million square feet of commercial space NOT compete with Yelm's existing commercial core?

That's not what the Yelm Vision Plan says is supposed to happen:
The Yelm Vision Plan was instituted on January 5, 1995 by a group of people to reflect the will of the community.
This states on page 6, #B:
"Develop retail and commercial services to meet the needs of Yelm’s growing population. Focus new commercial services in existing commercial areas.

3. Did anyone notice one of the alternatives has 1.5 million square feet of commercial space proposed?
That is the equivalent of 8 Super Wal-Mart's.

THIS DRAFT EIS EFFECTIVELY ENDS THE YELM VISION PLAN!
WHERE ARE THE VOICES BEING RAISED BY THE VISION PLAN'S CREATORS?

WHY DID THIS CITY GO TO ALL OF THE TROUBLE TO CREATE A VISION STATEMENT AND THEN IS NOT GOING TO FOLLOW IT?

My entries on this subject have been called "demeaning, sarcastic, and overall offensive" by one writer.
I say I have not been tough enough about how this city's own policies are being ignored, and neither has anyone else!

THIS IS YOUR LAST OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE:
Grant Beck, Community Development Director
City of Yelm Community Development Department
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
highlands@ci.yelm.wa.us

As the Nisqually Valley News reported on July 11,
"City takes look at connections to lessen traffic
(T)he City of Yelm will look at possible new bypass connections to help ease traffic congestion in Yelm over the next year."

"The City Council approved its Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2009 through 2014 without any additions Tuesday [July 8].

Over the next year the city will work on cleaning up and completing current projects on the list.

Mayor Ron Harding said the city hopes to have the Coates Road Project completed by this fall...

The Transportation Plan is the capital facilities document that guides transportation funding for a six-year cycle.

It is based on the Yelm Comprehensive Transportation Plan and is the implementation document for the overall document.

The top five projects currently listed on the Transportation Plan are the 510 Loop project, the Coates Avenue connector, Yelm Avenue West/Killion Road intersection, Yelm Prairie Line Trail and road resurfacing."

HMMM!
More connections to the Bypass?
What Bypass, as covered here many times, recently on July 8th about Bypass funding in jeopardy.
Also, the Coates Road & Yelm Prairie Line Trail cost overruns were covered here this week, in particular the Yelm Prairie Line Trail cost overruns coming from the reserve fund.

The Olympian reported on July 15 what Blog readers read here on July 8th:
"Gasoline prices cost state tax revenue
Motorists cut back to save money, and that means less for road projects"

"Record fuel costs are forcing people to drive less, and that is cutting into tax collections that pay for road construction statewide.

Overall traffic was down 2 percent in March and 1.4 percent in May compared with 2007, according to vehicle counts from the DOT.

Less travel appears to be cutting into fuel tax collections. The state's biggest source of money to pay for road improvements is the 37.5 cent per gallon gasoline tax, and expectations for income have been cut by $95 million through next June.

But construction costs increased by 60 percent in five years, as demand in India and China drove up prices for steel and concrete, and the cost of diesel fuel for construction equipment soared.

To avoid canceling any projects, lawmakers spent $3.8 billion in the past four years, said Rep. Judy Clibborn, D-Mercer Island.

Now, with people buying less gasoline, calling off some projects again is a possibility, said Clibborn, who also is chairwoman of the House Transportation Committee."

HMMM!
The City of Yelm is finding out, too, about construction expenses with road projects all in cost overruns.
They would be wise to increase their contingencies greater than 5-15%.

The Olympian reported that lifestyle changes are altering our driving habits, noticeable in Yelm as traffic has eased as gas prices have escalated. While the inner loop has helped, the major traffic reduction is from higher gas prices causing reduced vehicle trips:

This from July 20 The Olympian:
"A call to action
How higher fuel prices can change our lifestyles"

"The record-setting cost of fuel is forcing folks to drive less. The state Department of Transportation estimates that traffic volumes in the first few months of 2008 dropped about 2 percent, compared with last year. That tracks closely with what's happening nationwide, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

At the same time, the use of public transit is rapidly rising. Intercity Transit has 13 percent more bus riders in 2008 compared with 2007, on pace for more than 4 million riders.

As gasoline prices climbed the past five years, bus ridership climbed at similar rates, an almost bullet-proof example of cause and effect as commuters look for more-affordable ways to get to work...

Less sprawl

Over time, higher fuel prices should lead to people living closer to work, which would curb sprawl and promote urban living, said Mike McCormick, an Olympia-based planning consultant and one of the authors of the state Growth Management Act.

"The question is: How long is it going to take?" McCormick asked.

"Higher gas prices do discourage sprawl," agreed Thurston Regional Planning Council senior planner Pete Swensson. "Most people won't move closer to work to save money on gas, but when they're moving for other reasons, they'll be influenced by gas prices."

The percent of Thurston County population growth occurring in the cities is on the rise and could accelerate as gas prices climb, Swensson added."

[Ed. Note: Yelm's proposed 5,000 home Thurston Highlands could be greatly affected as buyers are looking
elsewhere rather commuting from Yelm.]

MSNBC reported on July 23:
"Long-distance commuters’ road to nowhere
High gas prices, housing market downturn leave some workers stuck"

"Traffic deaths fall as gas prices climb"
From the AP reported on KING-5 TV in Seattle:
"Rising prices at the gas pump appear to be having at least one positive effect: Traffic deaths around the country are plummeting, just as they did during the Arab oil embargo three decades ago.

Researchers with the National Safety Council report a 9 percent drop in motor vehicle deaths overall through May compared with the first five months of 2007, including a drop of 18 percent in March and 14 percent in April.

Preliminary figures obtained by The Associated Press show that some states have reported declines of 20 percent or more. Thirty-one states have seen declines of at least 10 percent, and eight states have reported an increase, according to the council."


WHAT DO YOU SAY?

"Saturday morning I was driving north towards Tacoma where a scene caught my eye on the west side of SR 507, 2 miles south of SR 7 & Spanaway. To my left I saw a gathering of old, dead Fir trees standing in their place, as in a circle. When I looked closely, I saw a very tall green cell tower in the center of them all. The height of the trees was as tall as the cell tower (see picture). My body quivered to such scenery.

To make sure I get across to you what I mean, I would like to describe to you that when a tree dies on my land, its colors change from green to pale green to orange to yellow and, lastly, to brown. Then all the needles fall off. The trees I am referring to in this article were just standing there dead, gray — just dead gray. I have never seen this color on trees that died out of dryness. I wanted to yell out to the world for such a crime that is slowly accruing right in front of us, yet we passively move along in our busy daily schedules accepting it all as part of life.

I was pondering those trees and their unjustified fate, realizing how nature — a giant being who only knows how to give, and one we can’t live without — in its quiet way allows us to do all that we want, and even when we affect and destroy its parts, it is just silently being there, present in its glory. Yet the testimonial evidence of our misdoing, misuse, and abuse is so vividly there!

I ask, when are we going to finally wake up and say,
“NO MORE!”
NO MORE KILLING, NO MORE DESTROYING, NO MORE ABUSING, NO MORE IGNORING, NO MORE "ADVANCED" TECHNOLOGY THAT KILLS US ALL!!!
There are harmonious ways to live life on our beautiful planet earth!!! PEOPLE, WAKE UP!!!

Yael Klein
Yelm

[Ed. Note: Yael is the wife of this writer. We own no cell phones, as to do so would require cell towers, which we do not want in our neighborhood!]

As Yael was writing this story, a news flash came onto the radio:
"Cancer Docs Warn Staff Of Cell Phone Risks
University Of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Advising 3,000 Workers To Limit Exposure"

"The head of a prominent cancer research institute issued an unprecedented warning to his faculty and staff Wednesday [July 23] : Limit cell phone use because of the possible risk of cancer.

The warning from Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, is contrary to numerous studies that don't find a link between cancer and cell phone use, and a public lack of worry by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Herberman is basing his alarm on early unpublished data. He says it takes too long to get answers from science and he believes people should take action now - especially when it comes to children.

"Really at the heart of my concern is that we shouldn't wait for a definitive study to come out, but err on the side of being safe rather than sorry later," Herberman said.

No other major academic cancer research institutions have sounded such an alarm about cell phone use. But Herberman's advice is sure to raise concern among many cell phone users and especially parents....

The issue that concerns some scientists - though nowhere near a consensus - is electromagnetic radiation, especially its possible effects on children. It is not a major topic in conferences of brain specialists," quoting the AP on CBS News.

[Ed. Note: This is the very first time an American university has issued a warning about cell phone use. The issue is electromagnetic radiation that is emitted not only from the phone into the brain of the user, yet also from the cell tower up to a radius of several hundred feet. In 2007, eminent researcher Carroll Cobbs wrote a Guest Entry for the Yelm Community Blog about cell tower radiation and the effects on living organisms.
Click here for that report.]

The Children’s School of Excellence cordially invites you to our Fifth Annual Auction on Sunday, August 3rd 2008. Please click here for the invitation details.

Join us for Mid-Summer Magic and Celebration as we raise funds for the school.
We are planning a truly delicious summer menu, magic shows for the children, assorted games with outrageous prizes, and much more!
The link to purchase Dinner Tickets online has been updated.

View the Auction Catalog online, filled with fabulous items !

Click here for more about the Children's School of Excellence.

UPDATE: The Nisqually Valley News carried this front page story in their July 25 print and web editions.

Yelm's City Council received news last night that three improvement projects are over-budget. City staffers explained in each instance that construction costs have sky-rocketed due to petroleum related products, i.e. asphalts, steel, etc.

1. Yelm Prairie Line trail bid
The current cost estimate exceeds the original bid by $56,000.
Approved was $65,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund, which includes a $9,000 contingency.

When Mayor Harding asked for questions from the Council, Council member Don Miller asked, "Can we afford it?"
This observer in Council Chambers thought that an interesting question from a Council member for 2 reasons:
A. Does a City Council member not know the budget with which they are given responsibility, instead relying on a a city staffer to answer the question?
B. That a City Council member asked such a question is bold, as this is a question that needs to be examined about every item in Yelm's budget, since this city has been spending alot of money against the backdrop of a national, state and county economic downturn.
Mr. Miller, I applaud your asking the question, especially as the City Council approaches working with the 2009 budget this Fall!

2. Coates Avenue Reconstruction
This little over $1.025 million project is over-budget due to unexpected right-of-way cost, the replacement of some undersized water line and the addition of new water and sewer lines. The $75,000 in under-runs on Stevens & West Streets projects is expected to cover the overages on this Coates Street project. The road will be open during construction, which will occur during the school year. This road gets alot of school bus barn traffic and others using the inner loop to bypass Yelm Ave. West morning traffic.

3. Longmire Park reclaimed water line
A $40,800 budget amendment increase was approved bringing this job total now to $408,800. Yelm Public Works Director Time Peterson told the City Council his department is currently trucking water to the park 8-10 hours a day. The added expense is necessitated by the fact that water, sewer and reuse water lines all have separating requirements down the same street, so the reuse water line to Longmire Park will have to go down the center of the street, increasing asphalt/repaving costs. There is a 15% contingency in this bid.

While the City Council has funded some wonderful projects, look for greatly reduced spending next year as the slowdown trickles down to Yelm. Continued project overruns and funding from the city's reserves should serve as a red flag, just as Councilman Miller naively asked, "Can we afford this?"

What say you?

UPDATE: The Nisqually Valley News carried this front page story in their July 25th print & web editions.

Every year the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County has a sponsored walk for homeless pets.
This year's walk is Saturday, July 26 at the Fort Steilacoom County Park at 8:30am.

You are encouraged to walk with your dog and collect sponsors to help raise funds for dogs in need, or if you can not walk and would still like to contribute, (however small, every $ helps), Yelm Travel owner Elizabeth Felix invites you to sponsor her dogs Abby and Wesley in walking.
If you can spare a donation, please write your check to "The Humane Society" and either mail to :
Yelm Travel
P. O. BOX 730
Yelm, WA. 98597

or drop by the Yelm Travel office on Creek Street, behind the Yelm Post Office, in the same building with the Chinese Wok.
Says Elizabeth, "Our dogs, yours and mine are the lucky ones, but there are many that need help.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Elizabeth, Abby and Wesley"

TELL ELIZABETH YOU HEARD ABOUT THIS ON THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

Rainier animal shelter improving
"About a month ago the City of Rainier updated its animal control ordinance.

Among the changes, Rainier approved a life-long dog license and an official no-kill status for their shelter.

Getting the shelter to its current status, among other improvements, has been a five-year process for public works employee Tony Schall.

When Schall took on the project of improving Rainier’s shelter, he said the only facility they had was a cement slab and portable dog kennels," quoting the Nisqually Valley News.

IF RAINIER CAN DO THIS, WHY CAN'T YELM?

Yelm Timberland Regional Library
Photo courtesy of Guustaaf Damave

Patricia Noffsinger has placed in the display cases at the Yelm Timberland Library an exhibit to show that needlepoint and embroidery have truly become an artform. Pat reports she is also using the display to gain interest in our area as she forms a local chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild.
The display will run until Aug 31st.
Ms. Noffsinger sells or purchases original artwork online on her site Mixed Medium Art.

"Yelm library kicks off summer fun
Summer boredom is a thing of the past because Yelm Timberland Library has kicked off their summer programs.

Among the many opportunities for local youth, “Catch the Reading Bug” reading program, a book club and Wacky Tuesdays are some of the biggest...

The next activity will be Summer Movie Matinee in the library’s living room.

All ages are invited, and popcorn will be provided, 1-3 p.m., Thursdays, June 26 through July 31...

Typically, many of the adults cannot attend summer events because they are on vacation, said Library Manager Kristin Blalack.

In September, Blalack plans to resume Fireside Talk, a program the library sponsors with the Yelm Historical Society.

Adults sit around talking about the “olden days,”" quoting the NVN.

This from Aviation:

"Stay alert to larceny in the air
What to keep in mind to ensure your valuables are safe while flying

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) certainly isn't immune, either. Although all TSA agents are supposedly background-checked, more than 400 have been fired over the past five years for stealing. (It seems fair to hope some may have been jailed too, for committing crimes while serving in vitally important positions of public trust.) For the record, the TSA says the worst airports for theft are Newark, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and Seattle-Tacoma.

Steps to help prevent your items being stolen
Jewelry is the single biggest category of stolen valuables, followed by cameras and electronics. Still, carelessness and blind faith make the situation needlessly worse. So keep the following in mind:

* Don't stash anything in your checked bags that you'd be devastated to lose, and buy one small but solid lock per bag (the TSA suggests Travel Sentry or Safe Skies brands, both of which screeners can open and relock should they decide to go into your bag). Locks occasionally do get cut off by screeners if a bag seems suspicious, but they seem to discourage casual pilfering.
* In security lines, consolidate loose items (such as phones or iPods) into one bag before putting it through the machine, and keep an eagle eye when it emerges out the other end — even if you're detained for wanding or frisking. If the security screeners bring you out of sight of your stuff, politely but firmly ask to have it brought to you immediately. Don’t pass through the metal detector until your items are well inside the x-ray machine.
* In-flight, put the carry-on with all your "must-not-lose" belongings under the seat in front of you and lock it, because the passenger seated ahead of you can reach under his seat and delve into your bag. But keep wallets on your person, especially if it's a long-haul flight. That goes for double if it's overnight and you plan to sleep. Consider locks for any bags in overhead bins, as well; it's not unheard of for a thief to run his or her mitts through bags while their owners are snoozing. It's also not a bad idea to put your bag(s) in the bin across from you, the better to keep an eye on things.
* Don't pack valuables near the tops of your carry-on bags; that makes it easier for someone casually to scoop them out, with minimal effort."

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR BELONGINGS AND BE AWARE WHEN USING ANY AIRPORT!

The lovely ladies at McKenna's NATURE'S GARDEN plant and produce stand have moved their FLORAL DEPARTMENT to a new location just past the McKenna Y towards Roy. The address is:

34090 SR507

The phone number for the new INDOOR location is 458-5000.

Also, they will be moving their entire operation including all plants to this location by September.

Please frequent their business and other local, small businesses, and keep our money circulating locally.

TELL NATURE'S GARDEN YOU READ ABOUT THEM IN THE YELM COMMUNITY BLOG!

We are nearing the final days of the public comment period for the Thurston Highlands Draft EIS (Environmental Impact Statement), July 28th.

Some things to keep in mind:

1. The EIS must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
The purpose of the EIS and The Comprehensive Plan is to insure the wishes of the community are reflected in these documents.
"The Vision Plan is adopted by reference in the Yelm Comprehensive Plan, and became a guiding document in the creation of development regulations such as the Yelm Design Guidelines."

2. The Yelm Vision Plan was instituted on January 5, 1995 by a group of people to reflect the will of the community.
This states on page 6, #B:
"Develop retail and commercial services to meet the needs of Yelm’s growing population. Focus new
commercial services in existing commercial areas.

on page 8:
Improve Yelm’s historic downtown (roughly between Solberg St. NW/SW, Stevens Ave.NE/NW, 4th St. NE/SE and Mosman Ave. SW/SE).
a. Provide more street amenities and pedestrian oriented businesses, such as open-air restaurants.

on page 12:
Each district would allow the full spectrum of uses as defined by zoning (Zoning will not be changed.) but will also feature guidelines to encourage specific activities and take advantage of special opportunities. For example, the “village retail” district will create an attractive pedestrian-oriented retail center to serve new residents in the southwest annexation (as well as providing a unique shopping experience in the city). The
downtown district targets visitors’ service businesses through historic preservation, street improvements, and by encouraging small cottage industries in existing structures.

on page 15:
Land Use and Design
4. Implement master plan for proposed SW Annex Development to form a high-quality residential community
integrated with the rest of Yelm. Restrict new commercial development outside the current commercially zoned area along Yelm venue.

on page 18:
Village Retail District [current downtown]
b. Make the site accessible from the Southwest Annex and Yelm Avenue. This will reduce congestion on Yelm Avenue by providing alternate access to the development. Easy access from the Southwest Annex will encourage residents to shop in the Village Retail District.

on page 19
Proposed Southwest Annex District [Thurston Highlands]
a. Higher density development, involving a mix of multifamily and single-family units should be located near
Yelm Avenue to encourage pedestrian trips to the Village Retail District [current downtown].

and:

c. Commercial development should be kept to a minimum. Allow only small neighborhood-oriented commercial, such as small grocery stores.

PUT ON YOUR THINKING CAPS...

IS THURSTON HIGHLANDS' EIS CONSISTENT WITH THE WISHES OF THE COMMUNITY, AS EXPRESSED IN YELM'S VISION STATEMENT ON THE CITY'S OWN WEBSITE?
AFTER ALL, THE VISION PLAN WAS DEEMED TO BE THE DESIRES OF THIS COMMUNITY!

WE ARE SEEING THIS DRAFT EIS PROPOSE ALMOST 1 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF NEW COMMERCIAL SPACE IN A DEVELOPMENT AWAY FROM THE YELM'S CURRENT DOWNTOWN, WHERE THE VISION STATEMENT SPECIFICALLY STATES:

Focus new commercial services in existing commercial areas
And:
"Commercial development should be kept to a minimum [in Thurston Highlands]. Allow only small neighborhood-oriented commercial, such as small grocery stores."

The Draft EIS States in Chapter 3, section 7-4:
Yelm Vision Plan
In the same time period during which the City of Yelm was adopting its Comprehensive Land Use Plan consistent with the Growth Management Act, the Yelm Chamber of Commerce and the local community created a Vision Plan designed to improve the economic vitality, convenience and appearance of the downtown commercial area by: focusing on industry, retail and commercial uses, and tourism; building community pride and involvement; enhancing the City’s identity with a directed sense of character, downtown improvements, and coordinated improvement efforts; improving vehicular circulation; and promoting efficient and high-quality land use.
The Vision Plan is adopted by reference in the Yelm Comprehensive Plan, and became a guiding document in the creation of development regulations such as the Yelm Design Guidelines.

Relationship of the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community to the Yelm Vision Plan
The Yelm Vision Plan will be utilized by the City during the Thurston Highlands application review process for final Master Site Plan approval, and during formulation of a Development Agreement (or similar instrument) that will establish project-specific development standards and requirements for construction within the proposed Master Planned Community.


OH, REALLY???!!!
ISN'T THE YELM VISION PLAN SUPPOSED TO REFLECT THE DESIRES OF THE COMMUNITY & BE FOLLOWED?
WHY IS IT NOT BEING FOLLOWED WITH THIS DRAFT EIS?

The Thurston Highlands Draft EIS States in Chapter 3, section 7 - 3:
Relationship of the Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community to the Comprehensive Plan
The Thurston Highlands Master Planned Community must be consistent with policies of the Yelm Comprehensive Plan as part of the Master Planned Community approval.

The Draft EIS States in Chapter 3, section 7 - 1:
Relationship of the Proposal to Plans and Policies
Yelm Comprehensive Plan

The primary criteria for conceptual approval of a Master Plan Development is consistency with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

IS THIS DRAFT EIS FOLLOWING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN & VISION STATEMENT?
WHY NOT?
DOES THE COMMUNITY CARE IF CITY OFFICIALS CARRY OUT THEIR WISHES OR NOT VIA THESE DOCUMENTS?

IF WE MAKE A NEW COMMERCIAL AREA IN THURSTON HIGHLANDS OF ALMOST 1 MILLION SQUARE FEET [EQUIVALENT TO 5 SUPER WAL-MARTS] , WHAT IS GOING TO BE THE EFFECT ON YELM'S CURRENT COMMERCIAL AREA?

WILL THE COMMUNITY SHOP AT ALL BRIGHT, SHINY AND NEW BUSINESSES OR GO TO THE CURRENT DOWNTOWN AREA?

IF YOU HAD A BUSINESS IN YELM'S DOWNTOWN CORE, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS LOCATION BEING SHOVED ASIDE WHILE A NEW COMMERCIAL AREA IS DEVELOPED IN THURSTON HIGHLANDS?

WHY DID THIS CITY GO TO ALL OF THE TROUBLE TO CREATE A VISION STATEMENT AND THEN NOT FOLLOW IT?

WHERE IS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON THIS ONE?

ALL THREE ALTERNATIVES SUGGESTED FOR THE HIGHLANDS OFFER LARGE COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY. THERE WAS NO ALTERNATIVE PRESENTED WITH LIMITED COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY THAT FOLLOWED THE VISION STATEMENT. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND THIS DRAFT EIS SHOULD BE REWORKED TO INCLUDE AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN WITH LIMITED COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT!

You have 10 days left to send your comments about this to:

Grant Beck, Community Development Director
City of Yelm Community Development Department
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
highlands@ci.yelm.wa.us

This writer now understands Mayor Harding's continual comments that the economy is doing well here, as he said in the Nisqually Valley News last week:

"It’s not just Yelm seeing continued growth in the face of a troubling national economy.

Harding said areas in the county around Yelm are also growing and the city is working to accommodate that growth as well."

The Olympian reported yesterday:
"The overall taxable retail sales data show: ...
• Yelm rose 8.39 percent to $37.4 million from $34.5 million

The retail trade data show:
• Yelm rose 52.83 percent to $18.6 million from $12.2 million...

Still, there were some bright spots in the first-quarter taxable retail sales data.

Yelm's retail trade sales soared more than 50 percent. Contributing to that boost were the more than 20 businesses that opened in the city between October and March, finance and administrative services director Tanya Robacker said."

Omitted from the figures was the fact that between March and now, we have seen the closure of Two Friends Bistro and Arnold's Country Inn, two of the more prominent sit-down restaurants. Alot of other local businesses are feeling pinched.

Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of Yelm's Super Wal-Mart opening with 184,368 square feet of commercial space.

No wonder the Mayor says Yelm's economy is growing -- Yelm opened a new Wal-Mart on July 18, 2007, which skewed the numbers in 2008. The Mayor and city should list separate Wal-Mart figures for an accurate comparison.

Instead of looking at biased figures based on a Super Wal-Mart opening to pat ourselves on the back, we should be looking at the overall statistics and trends, as The Olympian reported about our county. Comparing Yelm's year over year retail numbers with a Wal-Mart added this year is not comparing apples to apples.

Thurston county's retail sales tumble

"In another sign of the slowing South Sound economy, Thurston County taxable retail sales have fallen for the first time in 13 years, dropping 1.3 percent in the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in 2007, new state Department of Revenue data show.

The county's overall taxable retail sales declined, in part, because of fewer sales of new and used cars, motorcycles, boats and recreational vehicles, the result of higher fuel prices, the data show.

The news comes less than a week after Northwest Multiple Listing Service data showed that Thurston County home sales have fallen more than 20 percent in the first six months of the year compared with the same period in 2007."

WHAT DO YOU SAY?

PUT ON YOUR THINKING CAPS. THINK ABOUT IT...

This writer has received several emails that Yelm area folks are feeling the pinch and looking to change the way they live everyday life in order to save. Here are some great tips to help you through these times:

"10 Things You Can Like About $4 Gas"
From TIME Magazine, here are 2 0f 10 effects on the Yelm area:
2. Sprawl Stalls
[Ed. Note: Mayor Harding's "planned growth" hopefully will stall, too!]

8. Less Traffic
"Travel on all roads dropped 2.1% in the first four months of 2008, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Wherever people can take public transit, they are doing so."
[Ed. Note: Regardless of the city's new side streets, overall traffic HAS dropped in Yelm from less road use.]

"How to Sell a House, When You Have to Sell It Now
Seven tips for homeowners who can't wait until the market turns around"
From the July 14th Wall Street Journal
And this:
"So you say you're selling your house?
Hey, it could be worse. You could be selling a Hummer."

"A Gourmet Family Meal for $10?"
From Time Magazine.

"All Eyes on Amtrak
Soaring gas prices and higher airfares are causing Americans to take a closer look at their rail system."
From Newsweek
Amtrak offer excellent service to Portland, Seattle, Eugene and Vancouver from Olympia.
I love riding Amtrak's Cascades.

"Pulling the Plug: Summer of '08 Sparks Creative Conservation
With Temperatures -- and Electric Bills -- High,
Families Face Meltdown; Bourbon Cubes
TIPS FOR STAYING COOL"
From the Wall Street Journal.

American's relook wind
"For 20 years, Southwest Windpower has been bringing low-cost, reliable wind energy to the world. As the world's largest producer of small wind generators, we've pioneered new technologies to make renewable energy simple," quoting Southwest Windpower.

Solar Power Workshop
with Brad Burkhartzmeyer
Saturday July 19 from 8 AM to 4 PM
Continental breakfast and lunch included
Develop a plan for your own system - Hands on Class practice in constructing a small model system

Where: Deschutes Grange, 16435 143rd Ave. SE on Vail Road just south of Rainier.
Cost: $40 pre-registration at Lemuria between now and July 18th. $45 at the door.
-Half the proceeds go to fund Brad's journeys around the globe-
Sponsored by the Yelm area's own Babes In Belts

The Thurston Highlands Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Comment Period
is June 10-July 28, 2008

Now is the time for the public to gather information, learn and comment.

Open House
5 PM to 8 PM - July 16, 2008
Yelm High School Commons

Location of Copies of the Draft EIS and Technical Reports for Review

City of Yelm
Community Development Department
105 Yelm Avenue West
Yelm, WA 98597

Yelm Timberland Library
Fay Fuller Building
210 Prairie Park Street
Yelm, WA 98597

Address Comments to:

Grant Beck, Community Development Director
City of Yelm Community Development Department
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
highlands@ci.yelm.wa.us

Janet Harding
Photo credit: The Olympian

"Janet Harding, a 21-year old from Yelm with a passion for volunteer work, is the new Miss Washington.

Harding was crowned Saturday night [July 12] at the Pantages Theater in Tacoma and will represent Washington in the Miss America competition, which takes place in January in Las Vegas. She competed in the Miss Washington pageant as Miss Tahoma, a title she earned in a Puyallup pageant...

Harding will work for the cause of Big Brothers-Big Sisters of America during her reign. To earn her crown, she played a cascading classical piano piece, modeled a two-piece pink swimsuit and a black-and-white beaded evening gown, and answered questions in an onstage interview.

Asked whether she thought Americans are too selfish to make sacrifices to aid the environment, Harding said in the interview that she thinks Americans already are starting to do so.

Harding is the daughter of Myrna and Ron Harding and a student at Western Washington University, where she is studying elementary education, social studies and communications.

She serves on the board of Big Brothers-Big Sisters in Whatcom County and is a Big Sister.

'She puts in hundreds of hours of community service, in whatever cause comes forward,' said Ron Harding, Yelm’s mayor," quoting The Olympian.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JANET!!!!!!

Updated with Nisqually Valley News story published July 18.

"Outdoor burning of residential materials in Thurston County is prohibited July 15 through October 15 each year. This seasonal prohibition, crafted by the Thurston County Residential Outdoor Burning Committee, has been in effect for five years. The Committee includes representatives from Thurston County, the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), local fire agencies and Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA),
quoting the Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) website.

Photo credit: Michael Bennett, Nisqually Valley News,
Picture looking east from Prairie Park to area subdivision

"Yelm has officially surpassed “small-town” status with a population of 5,150.

That’s just 6 percent more than the 4,845 people living in the city in 2007.
[Ed. Note: That's 15% greater than when Mayor Harding was elected Mayor in 2005 when Yelm recorded 4,450 people.]

Once a city grows beyond 5,000 people it must have seven council members.

The city accommodated the seven-council member rule early so that all the members were up to speed on city issues when the change went into effect, according to Community and Government Relations Coordinator Cindy Teixeira.

So what does this growth mean for the future?

'We are growing, but our growth has been planned,' Mayor Ron Harding said.

It’s not just Yelm seeing continued growth in the face of a troubling national economy.

Harding said areas in the county around Yelm are also growing and the city is working to accommodate that growth as well.

'All those people are affecting (us),' Harding said. 'We’re still improving our transportation system (despite all the regional traffic).'

'I think we’re doing a good job.'

The city has also seen an increase in commercial growth...

Harding said he believes that it is more beneficial to have more commercial development in the area.

By offering goods and services in the city, area residents don’t have to commute further.

'It’s certainly an asset,' Harding said. 'It does lessen the impact on our transportation system.'

The increase in growth is also beneficial for the city in that there are building fees that go toward the transportation system.

'I think our plan is working,' Harding said. 'We’ll see greater improvements in the next few years,'”
quoting the Nisqually Valley News.

WHAT IS NEXT FOR YELM'S FUTURE?

1. Suburbs Feeling the Pinch as Fuel Prices Soar
Reuters reports:
"Ever since the rise of the automobile in the 1950s, the American Dream has featured a home in the suburbs and two cars in the garage. Now the iconic white picket fence comes with a hefty price tag in the form of the cost of the gasoline needed to drive to work and to the supermarket, and the suburban idyll is under review." quoting Truthout.

2. Housing prices tumble in June
The Olympian reported on July 10th:
"Thurston County home prices slid more than 9 percent from June 2007 to June 2008, the Northwest Multiple Listing Service reported, the steepest year-over-year drop this year and the largest decline South Sound real-estate experts could remember.

Broker Doug Burger, who has spent nearly 30 years in real estate, said there have been times when South Sound median prices remained flat, but they didn't fall.

The is the first time I've actually seen (prices) drop, especially to this degree," he said. "To take this kind of turn is surprising for everybody.

The combined median price for a single-family residence and condo last month was $247,000, down 9.2 percent from the $272,000 reported in June 2007, Northwest MLS data show."

While this writer applauds Mayor Harding and the City of Yelm for their work on the side connector streets, attracting multi-national chains like Yum! Brands KFC/Pizza Hut, Starbucks and Wal-Mart have come at a cost to this town's charm, as local business owners are struggling and even the venerable Arnold's Country Inn closed its doors. So, the usual commercial name brands are the only ones with deep enough pockets to build here.

At what cost is the continued growth to our resources?
- potable water
- recharging the aquifer
- sewage

Mayor Harding said,
"It’s not just Yelm seeing continued growth in the face of a troubling national economy.

Harding said areas in the county around Yelm are also growing and the city is working to accommodate that growth as well."

The whole country, state & county are having a major slowdown, Mr. Mayor!

WHAT DO YOU SAY?

SHARE YOUR STORIES!

Vanda Mikoloski
Photo credit: Vanda's website, taken by Guustaaf Damave

Vanda will be doing her "Spiritually Incorrect Comedy Show" where it all began -
at The Mark in Olympia July 17, 18 and 19.
$20 in advance, $25 at the door. Buy tickets early as shows tend to sell out!
Dinner reservations accepted.

Partial proceeds will benefit The Master's Fund.

"Vanda Mikoloski is a renowned stand-up comic and speaker whose passion is personal growth and development. Vanda's work is a delightful, irreverent romp down her twisted spiritual path. The concept "enlightenment" is fascinating to her. Vanda's stand-up comedy deals with the human predicament, inquiring into the nature of being a human being, the trap of it all and the absurdity of it all. She offers powerful spiritual distinctions in a ridiculously funny way that leave the audience empowered, inspired and transformed. She begins by questioning our point of view about our point of view and then challenges many of our spiritual beliefs and beliefs about reality. Many people have reported profound shifts after experiencing Vanda's stand-up work," quoting her site.

Vanda tells the Yelm Community Blog she will be up on local happenings upon her return, so "I can be a little topical now when I come back." Expect a spin on local Yelm area stories that will have you doubled-over in a belly-laugh!

"Dan Schorno of Yelm won the World Automobile Auctioneers Championship this weekend [June 6-7] in Spokane.

Top prize money was $15,000. He also won a world championship ring, huge check "I’d have trouble cashing anywhere and a big trophy,” he said today.

The judges scored the about 65 competitors on product knowledge, appearance, bid-call ability, and professionalism involving the buyer-seller.

Schorno, who has been an auctioneer for 20 years, said to win it took luck and no mistakes," quoting The Olympian.

The NVN filed this report:
"Schorno comes from a family of auctioneers.

'It was something that I wanted to do, but it’s difficult to break into the profession,' Schorno said. 'I feel pretty fortunate.'

Schorno grew up in the livestock auctioning business, and was able to gain experience starting at a young age.

His parents, Gail and Larry Schorno, of Yelm, are both auctioneers.

Schorno started working in the livestock market and as a ring man in car auctions at about age 21.

Schorno works for Manheim’s South Seattle Auto Auction, Adesa, Daa Northwest, James G. Murphy, Inc. and Manheim’s Greater Las Vegas Auto Auction.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DAN SCHORNO!

"Welcome to the 29th annual Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic official web site. This 200-mile bicycle ride is the largest multi-day bicycle event in the Northwest, with up to 9,500 participants riding from Seattle to Portland in one or two days. The route takes you through the scenic valleys, forests, and farmlands of western Washington and Oregon. Come join what Bicycling Magazine has listed as one of the best cycling events in the nation!"

Who Else Will Be On The Road With Me in 2008?

* 9,499 other riders
* 24% one-day riders; 76% two-day riders
* Oldest rider: 85
* Youngest rider: 2 years 4 months old
* 18% first-time riders
* 74 medical riders
* 305 riders who have participated in 10+ STPs
* Two riders who have ridden them all: Jerry Baker and Paul Wantzelius! 2007 riders are visiting from 44 states plus Australia, Canada, England and Serbia.," quoting Cascade Bicycle Club: Group Health website.

YELM WELCOMES THE SEATTLE TO PORTLAND BICYCLE CLASSIC THIS SATURDAY & SUNDAY!

Yelm Timberland Regional Library
Photo courtesy of Guustaaf Damave

The following letter was sent to the Nisqually Valley News for publication in their July 11, edition.

Dear Editor,

In the April 4th edition of the Nisqually Valley News, you penned an editorial titled "It's not too early to plan for Yelm library's future" where you stated, "It may be a wee bit early to sound the alarms, but it is a good idea for the city of Yelm to start thinking about the future of the Yelm Timberland Library." Your editorial was in response to the March 25th presentation to the Mayor and Yelm City Council by the Yelm Library Board and echoed strongly by Timberland's Michael Crose about the urgency needed to acquire land, plan, fund and open a new library in 4 years... [I read that letter to the Council in my capacity as the then-Yelm Timberland Board Chair (I have since resigned from the Board). An ad with the text was purchased in your newspaper for the public to read unabridged.]

The Yelm Library's lease exemption to rent in the current privately-owned facility runs out in July, 2012, when Timberland requires Yelm's public library to be in a pubic facility.

Last week, we learned that Timberland Libraries has a $1.9 million deficit and is considering cutting services or going to property owners for the first time in 40 years for a levy lid increase. This will be in addition to whatever is coming down the pike to Yelm area property owners requesting funding for a new facility here. We have heard nothing from Mayor Harding, the City Council or Timberland on how a new Yelm Library is to be financed, nor a timeline towards construction.
Is there some anonymous donor coming through with some multi-million donation to fund land and such a facility?

If not, then city and library officials need to let area residents know their plans for a library's future here and soon.

If a library is even opened here, will it be with a reduced staff, reduced hours and a reduced amount of new materials?
A wee bit early to sound the alarms has now turned into an alarming situation!

Stephen R. Klein
Yelm, WA.

IS YELM GOING TO HAVE A LIBRARY AFTER 2012?

WHAT DO YOU SAY?

THERE CERTAINLY HAS BEEN SILENCE FROM CITY OFFICIALS AND THE PUBLIC ON THIS ISSUE

LET'S PUT ON OUR THINKING CAPS?

WILL YELM AREA PROPERTY OWNERS AGREE TO FUND A NEW LIBRARY,
ADD A NEW LIBRARY LEVY
AND
VOTE FOR FIRE AND SCHOOL LEVIES ???

The Thurston Highlands Draft EIS comment period continues this month through July 28.
This is the time for the public to speak to this development's plans and have a say.
Once this comment period closes, any further comments will have little weight in the decision-making process and will be too late.

Interesting to note that there has been little written about this in the newspapers nor heard from the public on this very important issue about Yelm's future.
Where are all of Yelm's anti Wal-mart people from a few years ago touting too much growth, too fast?
Do you realize this is going to at least, triple the size of the city (adding almost 15,000 people).
Does anyone have anything to say about that?

This document took two years to produce and is huge.
Were going to triple the size of the city and the pubic is supposed to understand this and comment all within 45 days by July 28th?

SEPA rules state the maximum number of pages in an EIS is 150,
not including diagrams & maps.
Thurston Highlands is over 325.

SEPA also states:
(2) Environmental impact statements shall be concise and written in plain language. EISs shall not be excessively detailed or overly technical. EISs shall explain plainly the meaning of technical terms not generally understood by the general public
(4) The text of an EIS (WAC 197-11-430(3)) normally ranges from thirty to fifty pages and may be shorter. The EIS text shall not exceed seventy-five pages; except for proposals of unusual scope or complexity, where the EIS shall not exceed one hundred fifty pages.

The WAC (WA. Admin. code) 197-11 sec. 400 (3) about purpose
says
"larger documents may hinder the decision making process."

That means THIS draft EIS is going to have to change, and big time as this draft EIS does NOT meet the criteria of the mandate of 150 pages maximum!

THIS ISSUE MORE THAN ANY OTHER IS WAY TOO HUGE FOR THIS COMMUNITY TO SIT ON THEIR HANDS AND NOT COMMENT!

THIS WRITER SUGGESTS THAT AT LEAST 500 PEOPLE WRITE TO REQUEST AN EXTENSION ON THE COMMENT PERIOD AND HAVE THE RULES FOLLOWED.
GET EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO WRITE!

The WAC says:
(6) Any person or agency shall have thirty days from the date of issue in which to review and comment upon the DEIS.
(7) Upon request, the lead agency may grant an extension of up to fifteen days to the comment period. Agencies and the public must request any extension before the end of the comment period.

So, why should there be more extensions? This draft EIS does not follow the rules and is way too long. There should be at least another month extension to make comments.

HERE WE HAVE A PROPOSAL THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE IN NO COMPETITION WITH THE DOWNTOWN CORE, YET THURSTON HIGHLANDS' COMMERCIAL AREA HAS 825,000SQ' OF RETAIL COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND 135,000,000SQ' OF PROFESSIONAL OFFICES.
YELM'S SUPER WAL-MART HAS 184,368SQ' FOR COMPARISON.
SO, YELM IS SUPPOSED TO ACCEPT ALMOST ONE MILLION SQUARE FEET OF NEW COMMERCIAL SPACE WITH NO EFFECT?

COME ON! LET'S PUT OUR THINKING CAPS ON?

IS THE ZONING FUNCTION OF THE CITY TO CREATE AN ALL NEW COMMERCIAL AREA AWAY FROM THE EXISTING TOWN?
ARE WE GOING TO HAVE MORE MULTI-NATIONAL CHAIN STORES AND BIG BOX STORES THAT EXPATRIATE FUNDS OUT OF HERE BEING BUILT IN THURSTON HIGHLANDS?
IS OUR DOWNTOWN COMMERCIAL CORE GOING TO BE SUSTAINABLE WITH A HIGHLANDS?

CITY HALL WAS GETTING READY TO CHANGE THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ACCOMMODATE NASCAR --
WHAT'S IN THE PLAN?
IS THE CITY GOING TO CHANGE THE PLAN TO ACCOMMODATE WHATEVER MONEY IS THROWN AT IT?
THE EIS MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. WHAT IF IT IS NOT?
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE WISHES OF THE COMMUNITY?
IS THIS DEVELOPMENT FOLLOWING THE PLAN? IS IT?

THINK ABOUT THE EFFECT OF ONE MILLION SQUARE FEET OF NEW COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR THURSTON HIGHLANDS ON YELM'S CURRENT COMMERCIAL AREA?

WHY ISN'T EVERY COMMERCIAL BUSINESS IN THIS CITY RAISING A RUCKUS ON THIS ISSUE?
EVERY MERCHANT IN THIS TOWN SHOULD BE HOLDING THE CITY'S FEET TO THE FIRE REQUIRING
AN EXTENSION TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE.
WHY ISN'T THERE A CITIZEN & BUSINESS REVOLT?
LET'S HAVE A COMMUNITY DEBATE ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE.
A DOZEN PEOPLE ATTENDING THE THURSTON HIGHLANDS OPEN HOUSE IS NOT ENOUGH!


WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT?


IF YOU DON'T BRING UP SOMETHING NOW, THEN HOLD YOUR PEACE.
IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
AFTER THE COMMENT PERIOD IS COMPLETED, IT'S TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE!

Address Comments to:

Grant Beck, Community Development Director
City of Yelm Community Development Department
P.O. Box 479
Yelm, WA 98597
highlands@ci.yelm.wa.us

Location of Copies of the Draft EIS and Technical Reports for Review

City of Yelm
Community Development Department
105 Yelm Avenue West
Yelm, WA 98597

Yelm Timberland Library
Fay Fuller Building
210 Prairie Park Street
Yelm, WA 98597

and online
scroll down to Thurston Highlands Draft EIS.

Public Meetings during the Draft EIS Comment Period

Open House
5 PM to 8 PM - July 16, 2008
Yelm High School Commons

The Yelm City Council will adopt Resolution Number 486 establishing the 2009 to 2014 Yelm Six Year Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) tonight.

"The six year transportation improvement program (STIP) is the capital facilities document that guides transportation funding for a six year cycle. The STIP is based on the Yelm Comprehensive Transportation Plan and is the ‘implementation’ document for the overall plan. Projects that are not on the STIP are not eligible for State or Federal funding, or the use of local Traffic Facilities Charges (TFC’s). Although it is a six year plan, it is required to be updated annually as projects are completed and new priorities arise...
The Yelm Transportation Committee has prepared an updated six year transportation improvement program for the Council’s consideration and adoption," quoting the City of Yelm Staff report for the Council.
The SR 510 Yelm Loop (Bypass) is listed as the number one project.

LET'S PUT ON OUR THINKING CAPS!

WHY DOES YELM'S COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN ANNUALLY INCLUDE A ROAD THAT HAS NOT BEEN FUNDED FOR CONSTRUCTION?

IS THE BYPASS LIKELY TO BE FUNDED TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION SOON?

Yelm Blog readers read the answer to that here first, months ago!

I wrote this over the weekend to Cindy Teixeira , Yelm's Community and Government Relations Coordinator:

Dear Ms. Teixeira,

Mayor Harding told the Yelm Chamber Forum on Tuesday, April 8 that Yelm's Bypass construction is set to begin in 2009 using left-over right-of-way acquisition funding of $9-10 million and was quoted in the March 14th edition of the Nisqually Valley News in a story titled "Bypass funding is back on track" saying in the text, "It is quite possible they could start phase one of the construction project in 2009."

Ms. Teixeira, in speaking to the Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT), they tell me,
"Ask Mayor Harding to present where the $10M construction fund is located in the Transportation Budget?"
[Note: The right-of-way acquisition has not been completed, so how can anyone know how much will remain?]

Only a politician's verbal promise [Rep. Tom Campbell] to get construction funded as part of the Winter 2009 Legislative Session is all that exists. [Ed. Note: So as not to be misconstrued, Rep. Campbell has been a tireless voice heralding to the legislature the need for Bypass funding. His efforts along with Sen. Rasmussen kept funding alive in 2008. His staunch voice will be a light shining in darkness, as he is the only one that has gone on-record at a Yelm Town Hall committed to bringing this funding issue up in 2009!] To get the money put into a construction account, we need majorities in the House and Senate, and then a signature by the Governor. None of that has happened yet, so there is no guarantee at this point.

"WSDOT has already begun to delay some of the lower profile projects in its overall plan, as is necessary to balance the Transportation budget for this biennium and beyond," says WSDOT.

That was told to me when oil was at $68 a barrel. Last week, oil sold for $145 a barrel and gas is now $4.50 a gallon.

The chance that the Legislature will again overturn the Governor's veto this year on Bypass Funding is slim and to do so would be considered foolhardy in this economic environment, with the county and state tallying major deficits.

From KING-5 News last week:
"Mostly because of the gas tax, money flowing to the Department of Transportation is now down $77 million from projections, or 2%.

If this keeps up, the next two year budget forecast calls for another $137 million loss.

'We're probably going to go back to the Legislature and ask them to delay some things,' said Paula Hammond, Secretary of Transportation.

Hammond says some big unstarted projects could end up on hold, while simpler maintenance items like re-paving jobs are likely to be put off first."

That means the Yelm Bypass is in serious jeopardy.

May I request a comment from you and/or Mayor Harding on the Yelm Bypass status, ahead of the City Council discussing the STIP?

Ms. Teixeira responded that my inquiry was forwarded to Mayor Harding.
There has been no response from the Mayor, as per usual.

WHAT SAY YOU?

WITH THE STATE DEFICIT, GAS TAX REVENUES DECLINING AND THE LAST OF A 9 CENT GAS TAX JUST ADDED TO EVERY GALLON LAST WEEK, MORE NEW GAS TAXES BEING ADDED ON CONSUMERS' BACKS ARE OUT OF THE QUESTION. THAT MEANS CUTS TO ROAD PROJECTS ARE COMING SOON!

A YELM BYPASS OPENING BEFORE 2015? LAUGHABLE!

SEE WHAT CITIZEN ACTION AND INVOLVEMENT CAN DO?

"The Port of Tacoma has abandoned plans to build a logistics and cargo shipping center on 745 acres of port-owned property near Maytown.

That's fine. The question is "Now what?"

Let's not forget that the property, which the port purchased for $22 million in 2006, is zoned for a gravel mine, lumber operation, small stores and homes at one unit per five acres.

Before the port bought the acreage, Citifor, a Chinese timberlands holding company, had plans to mine gravel from the site. That sparked residents' concerns about truck traffic and changes in groundwater levels that could hurt their private wells.

Tacoma forged a partnership with the Port of Olympia to explore construction of a logistics center with cargo and warehouse facilities on a site 2.5 miles east of Interstate 5. The property is adjacent to two railroad tracks, one operated by BNSF Railway and the other by Tacoma Rail Mountain Division. The latter, owned by the city of Tacoma, bisects the property.

Neighbors rallied under the banner of Friends of Rocky Prairie. Theirs was a strong campaign based largely on environmental concerns. The Friends raised questions about the wisdom of developing an industrial site in a rural area. They were quick to point out this is not just any rural area, but property sandwiched between a nature preserve and Millersylvania State Park. The Friends raised questions about ground contamination, effect on well water, light and noise pollution, truck traffic along rural roads and adverse effect on their property values. They waged a remarkable, grass-roots fight.

Their ace in the hole was the need for the two ports to change the zoning on the property, a decision that would be made by Thurston County commissioners. Friends argued that instead of upgrading the zoning to allow a logistics center and cargo transfer operation, the commissioners should rezone the rural property either to agricultural zoning or to zoning that allows one dwelling unit per 20 acres.

In the end, the strong opposition from south county residents and their allies played a significant role in Tacoma's decision to walk away from the project and put the property up for sale.

Which brings us to that pivotal question: "Now what?"

Throughout the debate, there has been a strong push to preserve the 745 acres of prairie land as it is. That's going to take some effort and cost some money. Are Friends of Rocky Prairie willing to dedicate themselves to this cause?

It sounds like it. Sharron Coontz, spokeswoman for the friends group, which has a mailing list of 3,000, said, 'We have a chance to preserve this wildlife corridor for the future,'" quoting The Olympian.

"Friends of Rocky Prairie is a group of concerned homeowners and residents in Washington’s South Puget Sound region, including the Thurston County rural communities of Maytown and Tenino.

West Rocky Prairie is located 13 miles south of Olympia, and 1/2 mile from Millersylvania State Park, and forms a rare habitat matrix unique to Western Washington. This fragile environment includes rare oak woodland, wetlands, and native outwas