Comments

To Outer Springer Resident wrote on Jul 26, 2009 8:42 AM:

" Yes, by all means come to the council meeting. There you will find that the Solar Aquatic sewage treatment system being PROPOSED is the cheapest, simplest, and most environmentally "aware" option there is. What you are forgetting is that the current system is out of compliance with EPA standards and will be shut down in 2011, or fines up to $1million PER DAY will be levied if a solution isn't found and implemented by 01/01/2011. On the civic center-the council doesn't support or oppose anything yet. there isn't enough information to make a rational, fact-based choice. Hence the study. "




Maryisright wrote on Jul 24, 2009 1:59 PM:

" Mary said "do something with that old school district building downtown"

She is absolutly right. Do something useful with that building instead please. "




Outer Springer Resident wrote on Jul 24, 2009 11:47 AM:

" Palmer longs for a legacy so why not build a civic center? Money is no object !!! After all the Palmer "brain trust" supports a massive regional Sewge Plant in the Outer Springer road area to bring LOTS of money to Palmer. The existing plant STINKS. The fact that this will devestate property values and severely degrade quality of life seems of little or no concern to the City of Palmer,just one more step toward annextion. All area residents and environmentally aware citizens need to attend the Palmer City Council meeting August 11@7 PM. Let's send them a message! "




Mary wrote on Jul 24, 2009 8:54 AM:

" The only way I would benefit from a civic center would be the same as any other resident in Palmer. I know what I like in a city, I would rather see growth that is unique, in the long run it will pay off, because it will be a nice town that attracts visitors, visitors that will spend time and money in our town. That will benefit everyone, more services, more money for things that make life better.
I do not want an anywhere USA town thats all about profit for big box stores and developers. "




mary wrote on Jul 24, 2009 8:42 AM:

" realty check, what are you talking about. I never said anyone was going to personally benefit from anything, who is the she your referring to?
As for a sports dome, the one in anchorage is a extreme in size, Wasilla's extreme in cost. There are many middle ground solutions and structures.
The fact is, they are booked with events, kids are active. This is one type of facility that greatly benefits kids, sports, staying active in the valley. "




To Reality Check wrote on Jul 23, 2009 4:35 PM:

" Ok, so Mary thinks the Civic Center is a good idea, or at least one worth exploring. By what logical leap to you go from that fact to the belief that she is obviously going to personally benefit from the project and that her "agenda" is obvious? It's an opinion on an issue facing her community, and she has the right to it just as you have the right to yours (and I agree with you that there are a lot of things we need to do first), but instead of discussing the issue, why do you attack her motives? "




brvak wrote on Jul 23, 2009 7:26 AM:

" I'm open to exploring the idea of a community/convention center. However I'm worried what one would cost when a bathroom runs 210k. "




Reality Check wrote on Jul 22, 2009 4:16 PM:

" Mary: You would like to see a sports dome? How will Palmer taxpayers pay for a sports dome? Take a look at the illustrious Sullivan Arena and that Balloon thing in South Anchorage. Both of those are consistantly running in the red at the expense of Anchorage Taxpayers. How do you propose the city of Palmer support this endeavor? Perhaps if the businesses of Palmer ponied up some money this would be a more appealing venture Palmer residents. Like you said It has to start somewhere, let businesses lead the way. "




mary again wrote on Jul 22, 2009 3:00 PM:

" I agree about Palmer needing a place for kids.
If the city invests in basic needs for local and a tourist destination, which includes places for kids and teens, it will pay.
Palmer is ripe, its not ruined.
Several things I can think of is, a sports dome - possibly at fairgrounds, a billiards room (No smoking & junior tables), a really good "jungle gym" for tots that has social area / coffee for parents. All of this takes community investment. If the city invests in the arts/convention/town, people will invest in the others. It has to start some where. "




Reality Check wrote on Jul 22, 2009 2:42 PM:

" Mary: You are obviously one of those that would benifit in some way from the creation of a Micro Civic Center in Palmer. Your agenda is obviously for your own gain. Palmer's transportation and parking infrastructure are outdated, our hotels are sub standard compared to those in Wasilla, and building anything new is impossible as our city resist growth at all costs. A civic center will only serve the desires of the few at the expense of the many. Let's fix current problems before making new ones. "




AKGuy wrote on Jul 22, 2009 11:52 AM:

" The community center would be a great idea if it was more geared towards the younger people in the community. Currently there is almost no area where kids can safely hang out in Palmer. Palmer already has enough of art and museums. We need more of a rec center than an arts/civic center. "




Mary wrote on Jul 21, 2009 1:13 PM:

" Palmergirl -
I agree tuning left out of the springer can be hard at rush hour, but that road is outside of the city hands, that is state. If you really want to make an improvement in the springer area, start proposing some regulations on subdivision developers to include road upgrades for the additional traffic they bring to the area, that way, the developers have to foot some of the bill from the traffic they create.
Do some research & help out. "




JC - Local Citizen wrote on Jul 21, 2009 11:51 AM:

" We like the idea of having Palmer be the "Art", "Farming", and "Small Conference" area of the Valley. Keep the Big Box folks (yes, they are needed), but keep them in the area of Wasilla where they are already.
The Mat-Su Valley has wonderful artists in every field imaginable. Theater, pottery, fiber arts, gardening, railroading, etc., etc., etc. Let GROW WITH The IDEA and leave all of your politics out of it.
Take it to the people!
Fairgrounds are a possibility, but those folks are VERY PROTECTIVE of their position in this life - BE Careful! "




palmergirl wrote on Jul 21, 2009 11:51 AM:

" You bet I have a 'better idea' of what to do with $40K:

Install SIGNALS on Commercial, Inner Springer, and / or on Outer Springer where they meet the Glenn Hwy.

Personally, I think the SAFETY of our people is more important than a museum (even though it might be good in the future).

These signals would be for ALL OF US, not just for the few & tourists.

In a time when money and jobs are at a premium, safety trumps a feasibility study for a convention center. "




Mary wrote on Jul 21, 2009 11:15 AM:

" Now, I'm on the topic on city improvements...How about the old school district building on Bailey and Evergreen, when is the city going to buy that? Roughly 8,000 sq.ft. of prime real estate sitting empty....for years
Either that or the borough should offload it to the highest bidder.

Making that building into "something" would greatly improve downtown Palmer. "




mary wrote on Jul 21, 2009 11:10 AM:

" alaskagirl, why do you think the people of palmer dont want a museum or a convention center? that makes no sense. I have not met one person who said they wouldnt want that.
Maybe you need to leave the state a while and take a look around, at some nice communities. You too would see the potential Palmer has.
The fairgrounds has its place for many things, but its not a museum, city center convention...Thats like putting Nordstroms in the Carrs plaza. "




Mary wrote on Jul 21, 2009 11:00 AM:

" Allen - Not all conventions are huge events, there are many small scale conventions.
Palmer quit dreaming big dreams?
I lived in Park City when it was a dirt road and no grocery store... I was in Whitefish Mt. when it was a one street town smaller than Palmer 15 years ago. Palmer can dream big, they should. Palmer has so much to offer if they take the direction of the unique, historic development people enjoy to visit. Market the recreational activities....they will come. "




mary wrote on Jul 20, 2009 1:15 PM:

" I think its a great idea, something that has been in the works for a long time. Palmer has managed to keep good vision for their town.
Palmer has several nice hotels and could always build more if needed.
Perhaps they will start realizing the marketing Palmer has for mountain bike riding and skiing, hatcher pass and crevass.
Their are many ways to market Palmer if they keep it a cute town and provide services that are unique. A place to visit. "




Paula wrote on Jul 20, 2009 9:21 AM:

" Well, "Alaska Girl," please tell us your ideas of what to do with $40,000?

But, since you bring up an art gallery, or museum, if done right, those sound like exciting ideas!

I'm not convinced the State Fair land is available, or the best option until I get more information. I was against the couplet, and tearing out the tracks, but, I think, for once, this could be a wonderful idea.

In any case I am willing to keep an open mind, and to learn more about it. "




allen wrote on Jul 19, 2009 4:12 PM:

" And where are the people that attend the conventions going to stay? There is not a decent hotel within 45 miles. Palmer needs to support what they have and quit dreaming about the big leagues. "We're thrilled about getting some outside outfit to bid to do a study for $40,000"? Come on. "




Common sense wrote on Jul 19, 2009 10:00 AM:

" IF you are going to build, do it where the operations is already in place, at the fairgrounds, the fair staff is prepared to handle such facilities and makes good common sense, even tho there is little to none of that in the CIty Government, really, duh! "




alaskagirl wrote on Jul 19, 2009 5:21 AM:

" Another ploy by Billy Bob Allen to have a 'monument' when he leaves.

The Palmer Couplet was a MAJOR part of this boondoggle.

Palmer doesn't need or want a convention center, museum, or art gallery. We already have the space at the State Fairgrounds, which already has such mundane items as PARKING space.

And now we're spending $40K that could be spent elsewhere.

What a crock. "




Oops wrote on Jul 19, 2009 1:06 AM:

" BEt Janet Kincaid is on the council, board or has some influence! "