HomeMy WebLinkAbout030trGtr[Vtr
Christina Maloney
Pleasant Harbor Paddle, Owner / Operator
P.O. Box 11
Brinnon, WA 98320
36U79G4116
JUN - 5 2014
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DEPT. 0F C0lIlt/iil"rirY
lv'f.ay 30,2014
Jefferson County DCD
621 Sheridan Strea
Port Townsend, WA 98368
I am writing today to express my it'support of the proposed Pleasant Harbor Marina and Resort
(resort) projgct as a community member and a small business owner in Brinnon, Washington. In
the early 20h century, Brinnon and the surrounding areas were seffled by homesteaders, loggers,
and small business owners supporting the logging industry. After logging was greatly regulated
in the 1980s the shellfish industry found a small niche in the area but the Hood Canal became
mostly a tourist destination and offered real estate for retirees and families looking for affordable
recreation properties. Over the years, as the economy has worsened, the vacation properties have
been passed on to the children and grandchildren and many have become full-time homes.
Families somehow scrape by with help from the local food bank and government assistance and
a few even have seasonal and part-time jobs. The few small businesses that make up the town of
Brinnon consist of a gas station / convenience store, a restaurant, a bar, a liquor store / crab pot
store, and the Pleasant Harbor Marina. I provide a seasonal job for myself as the
Owner/Operator of Pleasant Harbor Paddle, and the small elementary school, the post offrce, a
small family logging company, and the fire departrnent offer a few more. Most of the business
owners themselves profit only 4 months ayear and they also struggle to survive here. All in all it
comes to no more than 100 fulVpat/and seasonal jobs for a town of over 900 people. Although
many of these are seniors and not looking for work, the numbers are still alarming. I believe that
the proposed resort will provide steady work for all Brinnonites that desire it for generations to
come.
Furthermore, the town of Brinnon in it's current state does not provide basic services for it's
townfolk. The closest grocery store is 30 miles away, the closest medical clinic or emergency
room is 45 miles. The resort plans on offering not only jobs to Brinnon, but also services that
others take for granted like fresh food and a medical clinic. In a town of agrng seniors on fixed
incomes driving 60 miles round trip on windy roads and over mountain passes for food is not
safe or economical.
Lastly, there are selfish reasons I support the proposed resort. As a small recreation based
business that operates out of the Pleasant Harbor Marina I will, of course, greatly benefit from
the resort. I hope to continue to grow my business and to someday hire 2 or 3 employees of my
own. I long for the day when I don't have to drive 60 or more miles for food. I hope that one
day I can make enough money as a small business owner to make home repairs or go on a
vacation. These things largely depend on the Pleasant Harbor Marina and Resort project being
completed.
I sincerely hope that with careful environmental consideration and with the help of state and
county permitters, that the Pleasant Harbor Marina and Resort can start and finish construction in
a timely manner. Many of our families here in Brinnon, including my own, depend on it.
Thank You for your attention,
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Christina Maloney,l-tPleasant Harbor Paddle
Brinnon, WA
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,IFFERSON
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