| Re-zone approved for potential
Pro Sport Center expansion
By Charles Douglas
HUMBOLDT SENTINEL
|  A
number of Eureka residents continue to be dissatisfied
with the pace of improvements in pollution control at
Evergreen Pulp, Inc.’s Samoa Pulp Mill, and they
aren’t content to participate in a company -sponsored
fishbowl-style discussion in order to express their
outrage.
“When they designed the fishbowl, they pick who
speaks,” resident Carol Binder said to the applause
of a light crowd.
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Scheduled for Monday Sept. 19 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the
Wharfinger Building, local ‘space maker’ Annie
Rosen planed to associate an equal number of pulp mill representatives
and members of the public in a series of group conversations.
Members of the Pulp Mill Committee such as Pat and Elizabeth
Eytchson promised not to attend, citing voluminous lists of
carcinogens released as well as anecdotes of “toddlers
with inhalants” and “babies with nosebleeds.”
They now have over 1,300 signatures on their petition calling
for a withdrawal of the variance to complying with pollution
standards issued earlier this year by the North Coast Regional
Air Quality Management District.
“I believe this pulp mill is antiquated and needs new
equipment,” public school teacher Ginette Jongers said.
“The air is a common good and we need to protect it.”
King Salmon truck driver Scott Brogan saw things differently
as part of the chain of trade linking the pulp mill with shipping
ports in the Bay Area.
“Always think about the workers,” he said. “We
need to keep the jobs, we need to keep the wages high.”
HSU student John Bassett testified to having to wash the
outside of his windows every two weeks at his south Eureka
home, while only having to do so once a year at his previous
residence under an airport flight path.
“I’m wondering how public health can be put behind
money,” he said. “Let’s not allow the standards
that are set to be trampled upon.”
Public comments came during the open period for statements
near the beginning of the meeting, as a previously scheduled
agenda item was removed on the spot. City Manager David Tyson
was apparently in no mood to pre-empt Evergreens’ attempt
at public consultation, and was also still awaiting more details
from Management District officials.
“Because of these pending meetings, I think its best
that we delay formal discussion,” he said.
Green light given to Pro Sport Center growth
With not a word from Council or citizen-at-large, the Pro
Sport Center property on Sixth Street was re-zoned from Neighborhood
Commercial to Service Commercial, the first step in a planned
in-fill development to expand their retail facility.
“The General Plan Amendment, if approved, would facilitate
in-fill development in the important eastern Route 101 corridor
of the City of Eureka,” Paul Moore’s recommendation
stated. “This area has been transitioning over the past
15 years toward more mixed commercial and office establishments
and away from multi-family residential usage.”
Kramers Found Guilty of Beautification
In ceremonial matters, Boardmember Marge Creighton of Keep
Eureka Beautiful! bestowed their annual Award of Merit upon
developer Kurt Kramer for his firms’ work on the restoration
of the historic Richard Sweazy Building on Fourth Street.
Charles Douglas is the Editor-in-Chief of the Humboldt
Sentinel, and can be reached at www.charlesdouglas.net.
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