HomeMy WebLinkAbout100722 Nordland store________________________________
ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
________________________________
To whom it may concern at Jefferson County Department of Community Development and Planning and County Commissioners:
The Nordland General Store was nearly destroyed by a fire on the morning of November 5, 2020. This fire not only destroyed the interior of the building and all of its contents, but took
away a critical community space on Marrowstone Island. It was a historic, essential business for the island that included the post office and a focal point for community – both social
and economic. In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the County was quick and helpful in getting the rebuilding underway. The permit was for restoring the building to its basic, prior
condition (like for like) and the owners (Tom and Sue Rose) proceeded with licensed contractors to do the work. After almost 2 years, the building has been restored as agreed upon.
It has been done since May 2022 and yet the County has not signed off on its completion. In early September, the owners were able to get a meeting with DCD Director Brent Butler, and
Shannen Cartmel, Planning Supervisor, regarding what was holding up the finalization. They were told to submit various records and that everything would move along quickly. All records
were submitted and after 3 ½ weeks a letter was received outlining 9 more steps required for completion, most redundant with what has already been submitted and/or are information the
County already currently has on file. We are asking the County to quickly approve the Nordland Store building for business as it was, with no additional changes. This means: approved
for the same amount of seating, grocery and coffee/limited baked goods with the single porta potty as it was previously. This was approved previously and it seems more than reasonable
to approve it again. The second anniversary of the fire is fast approaching and it’s heartbreaking that the building is ready and yet unable to open. The almost 2 years of lost revenue
for owners has put the viability of the store in jeopardy. They have tirelessly worked to restore the building with full compliance to the law as well as the related bureaucratic responsibilities.
Due to the slow, uncommunicative pace of the County they are out of money, time and patience. It is unreasonable to proceed in such a fashion with a long standing local business that
suffered a tragic fire. The Nordland Store and Post Office are important institutions on the island. Not only is it convenient to have supplies and postal service on island but it is
the heart of the community. It’s where we meet our friends and neighbors and discuss important news. Its role as gathering place has contributed to our effectiveness as a real-life,
committed and harmonious community. We are all waiting for the Nordland Store to reopen. Please make it happen now.
Thank you,
Nancy Erreca