Pierce County took some hits this week
Posted: May 15, 2008 by Volcano Staff
It was a MINUS 2 kind of week.
Washington State Transportation Commission leaders have proposed a hike for trips across the new Narrows Bridge. The proposal calls for a $4 cash toll, or $2.75 for electronic toll. That’s a buck extra for each. The hike would occur on July 1 if approved. We knew it was coming, but it still sucks. It’s going to suck even more when they raise them again next year. MINUS 1
Demolition crews knocked down Martin Luther King Housing Development Association’s former home on Hilltop this week. The building, abandoned since 2003 when MLKHDA moved to Tacoma Avenue, was removed to make way for a $26 million retail, housing, jobs and business center. As long as it doesn’t become a staging area for rampant gentrification, we’ll give it a PLUS 2.
After watching the Frank Russell Company enact a similar move with great success, DaVita — a fortune 500 company based out of California with a main office in downtown Tacoma that’s one of the area’s largest private employers — decided they’d take a turn holding the City of Destiny hostage. Guess what? DaVita is thinking about moving, and you guessed it — the company is looking for Tacoma to give them a reason to stay. Here’s one, DaVita — because you’re a bitch if you leave. How about that? MINUS 3
The State Liquor Control Board held its final public hearing on the proposed second Alcohol Impact Area in Tacoma — this one on the Eastside and South End. Strong public support came out in favor of banning high potency beer and wine in the new AIA. Making the list of booze seemingly soon to be banned: Boone’s and Milwaukee Best Ice. It’s a sad week for Bobble Tiki. MINUS 2
The historic Tacoma Farmer’s Market kicks off the 2008 season today. With live entertainment, children’s activities, feedback forums, and approximately 100 local vendors providing art, flowers, produce and food, this year’s going to be a memorable one. PLUS 2
When we heard the Oakbrook Golf & Country Club’s board of directors decided to shut down their club’s swimming pool denying children swimming lessons, pool parties and family quality time, we thought about zipping out to the club and slapping the plaid off their pants and stamping a MINUS 10 to their golf carts. Last week, the board decided to open the pool for half the hours generations after generations have enjoyed every summer. The little children will have to watch cartoons until the pool opens at noon and cry themselves to sleep after 6 p.m. MINUS 2
Five hundred soldiers with the 864th Engineer Combat Battalion returned to Fort Lewis from Afghanistan this week. Thank you. PLUS 2
Total Pluses: 6
Total Minuses: 8
This Week’s Total: MINUS 2
Last Week’s Total: MINUS 5