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FH Fire
- Thread starter Grumpy
- Start date
I posted the results on our blog, but here is that text:
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Just back from the Port Commission meeting. While there was other business on their agenda, the crowd was there to show their support for getting that building rebuilt AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and get the current lease-holders back in. The place was packed - standing room only.
One gentleman in the crowd asked the commission point blank "if there were other plans being considered for that space?" The commission was very non-committal.
Here's what I learned:
Fire investigators are in the building right now, working to determine the cause. They hope to have answers by Friday, but that is not an absolute.
If it is determined that a particular piece of equipment was the cause of the fire, that manufacturer can ask that the scene be held so they can get investigators out.
The city government members said they will do everything they can to support the expeditious rebuilding of that building.
The Port Commission (3 members) have the final say. It made me concerned that none of them threw their support into rebuilding as soon as possible.
When community members and business people spoke, it became very emotional - it is clear that Downriggers is a staple in this community. Our boss let the commission know how many employees we have and re-iterated the impact of the number of visitors these businesses bring to the San Juan Islands. A local bank officer stated that they will do all they can to support the rebuilding. People cried when they spoke of Downriggers, and how it has employed local people. Someone asked, "How many people here have received some sort of donation from Downriggers, San Juan Safaris, Friday Harbor Marine Center, and San Juan Excursions - almost every hand in the room went up.
NOT A SINGLE PERSON spoke in favor of anything but rebuilding and getting the current businesses back in there. I think the Port Commission got the message. They also made it clear that they intend to move on this quickly... followed by the concerns of permitting, hiring architects, getting construction bids, considering all alternatives (??).
I think this was the first of many public hearings. The public has spoken: they want things back the way they were, and as soon as possible. The building is an eye-sore in one of the busiest ports in the state. Whether the commission will carry out what the public wants is yet to be determined.
We'll see where this goes from here.
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It is obvious that this is not just a building to a lot of people. One gentleman in the crowd raised his hand to speak and said, "I'm just a regular boater, but we come to Friday Harbor at least once a month from May to September..." and then he burst into tears. "Please bring it back. It's part of what makes Friday Harbor so special."
The man has a point. The emotions ran high today. I know I have an emotional attachment to the place. But, as a businessman, I also understand the potential lost revenue... and that spreads all around the community.
-----------
Just back from the Port Commission meeting. While there was other business on their agenda, the crowd was there to show their support for getting that building rebuilt AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and get the current lease-holders back in. The place was packed - standing room only.
One gentleman in the crowd asked the commission point blank "if there were other plans being considered for that space?" The commission was very non-committal.
Here's what I learned:
Fire investigators are in the building right now, working to determine the cause. They hope to have answers by Friday, but that is not an absolute.
If it is determined that a particular piece of equipment was the cause of the fire, that manufacturer can ask that the scene be held so they can get investigators out.
The city government members said they will do everything they can to support the expeditious rebuilding of that building.
The Port Commission (3 members) have the final say. It made me concerned that none of them threw their support into rebuilding as soon as possible.
When community members and business people spoke, it became very emotional - it is clear that Downriggers is a staple in this community. Our boss let the commission know how many employees we have and re-iterated the impact of the number of visitors these businesses bring to the San Juan Islands. A local bank officer stated that they will do all they can to support the rebuilding. People cried when they spoke of Downriggers, and how it has employed local people. Someone asked, "How many people here have received some sort of donation from Downriggers, San Juan Safaris, Friday Harbor Marine Center, and San Juan Excursions - almost every hand in the room went up.
NOT A SINGLE PERSON spoke in favor of anything but rebuilding and getting the current businesses back in there. I think the Port Commission got the message. They also made it clear that they intend to move on this quickly... followed by the concerns of permitting, hiring architects, getting construction bids, considering all alternatives (??).
I think this was the first of many public hearings. The public has spoken: they want things back the way they were, and as soon as possible. The building is an eye-sore in one of the busiest ports in the state. Whether the commission will carry out what the public wants is yet to be determined.
We'll see where this goes from here.
----------------
It is obvious that this is not just a building to a lot of people. One gentleman in the crowd raised his hand to speak and said, "I'm just a regular boater, but we come to Friday Harbor at least once a month from May to September..." and then he burst into tears. "Please bring it back. It's part of what makes Friday Harbor so special."
The man has a point. The emotions ran high today. I know I have an emotional attachment to the place. But, as a businessman, I also understand the potential lost revenue... and that spreads all around the community.
Thank you Jim,
I understand local politics--and they may be the most important issue here--unfortunately.
Is there a web site or petition we can sign to support the rebuilding of Downriggers?
It would be almost impossible to have this back in business anytime this year--but shooting for Memorial day next year would seem realistic.
I understand local politics--and they may be the most important issue here--unfortunately.
Is there a web site or petition we can sign to support the rebuilding of Downriggers?
It would be almost impossible to have this back in business anytime this year--but shooting for Memorial day next year would seem realistic.
This from the Downriggers website:
Dear Patron,
Due to a catastrophic fire (Saturday, August 17th) Downriggers Resturant is closed. We plan on re-building and re-opening in the spring of 2014.
Thank you for your support and patrinage over the years and we'll see you in the spring.
Thank you,
The Downriggers Crew
Dear Patron,
Due to a catastrophic fire (Saturday, August 17th) Downriggers Resturant is closed. We plan on re-building and re-opening in the spring of 2014.
Thank you for your support and patrinage over the years and we'll see you in the spring.
Thank you,
The Downriggers Crew
Jim, Thanks for keeping us in the loop. The economic impact should be obvious to those commissioners, and they are elected officials in a small community. They should be paying attention.
As part of the boating community, if you see any way we can add input from afar, please pass it on. Mean time, glad you are still up and running.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
As part of the boating community, if you see any way we can add input from afar, please pass it on. Mean time, glad you are still up and running.
Harvey
SleepyC:moon
Marty, unfortunately, it isn't Downriggers decision to rebuild... until the Port Commission makes a decision, every business in that building is in limbo. Goodness knows each of those businesses would like to get back in that building as soon as possible.
If you want to contact the Port Commissioners to voice your opinion, here are their e-mail addresses:
Port Commissioners
Mike Ahrenius – mikea@portfridayharbor.org
Greg Hertel – gregh@portfridayharbor.org
Barbara Marrett – barbaram@portfridayharbor.org
At this point, no one knows IF the building will be rebuilt, and if it is, what the vision for that building might be.
Jim B.
If you want to contact the Port Commissioners to voice your opinion, here are their e-mail addresses:
Port Commissioners
Mike Ahrenius – mikea@portfridayharbor.org
Greg Hertel – gregh@portfridayharbor.org
Barbara Marrett – barbaram@portfridayharbor.org
At this point, no one knows IF the building will be rebuilt, and if it is, what the vision for that building might be.
Jim B.
Jim,
As an officer of our local Yacht club for a number of years I have some experience of Port Comissioners and it may hearten you to know that the economic interests of their community are top of their remit.
The mission statement for the South Whidbey commisioners reads:-
Our Mission Statement
To enhance the economic well-being of the community and increase public access to marine areas while respecting the unique rural character and environment of South Whidbey Island.
I have not yet found a similar statement for the Port of Friday Harbor Commission but it does seem that this is the prime objective of most such bodies.
If that is the case then I think it is pretty clear that the combined economic impact of a building comprising a restaurant and a number of other lucrative businesses should exceed a green patch full of people eating ice cream. Even though that is one of our favorite form of exercise while in FH.
It would not hurt to wrtie many letters from the boating community reminding them of how many $$$ we spend there.
M
As an officer of our local Yacht club for a number of years I have some experience of Port Comissioners and it may hearten you to know that the economic interests of their community are top of their remit.
The mission statement for the South Whidbey commisioners reads:-
Our Mission Statement
To enhance the economic well-being of the community and increase public access to marine areas while respecting the unique rural character and environment of South Whidbey Island.
I have not yet found a similar statement for the Port of Friday Harbor Commission but it does seem that this is the prime objective of most such bodies.
If that is the case then I think it is pretty clear that the combined economic impact of a building comprising a restaurant and a number of other lucrative businesses should exceed a green patch full of people eating ice cream. Even though that is one of our favorite form of exercise while in FH.
It would not hurt to wrtie many letters from the boating community reminding them of how many $$$ we spend there.
M
Jim,
Thank you for those e-mail addresses. I have written each of them an e-mail, emphasizing the convenience of Downriggers, how it is considered a highlight by those who cruise to Friday Harbor, and the amount of money we bring to their town on each of our visits. I also complimented them on a well run and excellent small craft harbor.
Thank you for those e-mail addresses. I have written each of them an e-mail, emphasizing the convenience of Downriggers, how it is considered a highlight by those who cruise to Friday Harbor, and the amount of money we bring to their town on each of our visits. I also complimented them on a well run and excellent small craft harbor.
Montana Salty
New member
Craig and I were so sorry to hear about the devastating fire at Downriggers. We heard through a good friend that was actually in FH at the time visiting a friend. Thankful that our friends Jim and Joan are okay and safe.
Montana Salty
New member
Craig and I were so sorry to hear about the devastating fire at Downriggers. We heard through a good friend that was actually in FH at the time visiting a friend. Thankful that our friends Jim and Joan are okay and safe.
Without revealing company receipts, hundreds of people each day come to Friday Harbor for the whale watching. Our company works with Kenmore Air, local hotels, and restaurants. Many of our guests come here for the whale watching, but also spend one or more nights in Friday Harbor... eating at the local restaurants, renting scooters, buying gifts, etc, etc. Having been in Friday Harbor in the middle of winter and all through the summer, the impact of the other businesses (along with Downriggers) in that building equates to a very significant percentage of the tourism business brought to Friday Harbor.
I know that Friday Harbor Marine helped C-Brats with boat problems during the gathering here. Besides our gathering at Downriggers, we all ate at other restaurants, and bought groceries and other supplies in town.
Because we are there on the waterfront, I see the shock on peoples' faces and the tears in their eyes when they see the building.
Frankly, I would have felt better if the Port Commissioners had committed to rebuilding at that meeting. The public has spoken, and will continue to do so. Let's hope the people who make the decisions are listening.
Jim
I know that Friday Harbor Marine helped C-Brats with boat problems during the gathering here. Besides our gathering at Downriggers, we all ate at other restaurants, and bought groceries and other supplies in town.
Because we are there on the waterfront, I see the shock on peoples' faces and the tears in their eyes when they see the building.
Frankly, I would have felt better if the Port Commissioners had committed to rebuilding at that meeting. The public has spoken, and will continue to do so. Let's hope the people who make the decisions are listening.
Jim
I'm very relieved that there was no loss of life. Let's hope that the economic impact to business and individuals can be minimized. Jim, Joan and others, thank you for your advocacy. I'll email the commissioners this afternoon. Rebuilding and reestablishing space for the displaced businesses makes sense to me.
Don
Don
starcrafttom
Active member
Jim, what are the other proposed use for that space?? nothing that provides jobs and tax base I bet.
Tom, here you go, from page 2 of this thread:
JamesTXSD wrote:
JamesTXSD wrote:
There is a contingent who feels this space should be converted to a public (possibly green space) space... much like the completely under-utilized building on the Spring Street Pier, or the Brickworks building, both that contribute nothing to the local tax coffers.
Grumpy":2nsud757 said:
text:
Hertel: Port building should house same businesses as before the fire
Ports articles
Last Updated on Monday, 26 August 2013 18:31 Tuesday, 27 August 2013 00:05
Written by Sharon Kivisto
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Friday Harbor Port Commissioner Greg Hertel weighed in on Facebook about the the future of the building destroyed in a fire August 18, 2013.
The four businesses located in the building were: Downriggers restaurant, Friday Harbor Marine, San Juan Excursions, and San Juan Safaris.
His comments: Let me state my position as a commissioner for the Port of Friday Harbor clearly:
Our waterfront is a critical part of our community and our economy. It is my intent to see that the same businesses that were there before the fire are there when a rebuilt SSL is re-opened. We need to put these employees back to work and close the gap in our working waterfront.
I will use every bit of influence at my disposal to accomplish this.
It won't be easy and there will be unforeseen stumbling blocks along the way. The building may not be an exact replica for what was lost but it will be an enduring part of our waterfront for decades so I will do my best to see that it is a credit to our community and a place for as many memories as the one that was lost.
San Juan County has well over 300 miles of waterfront but only one mile of working, urban waterfront and we need to keep this part of our culture and economy in play. Until the doors open on a new or rebuilt structure, this will be "Job 1" for the Port and for me.