As the owner of the Bay View Inn for over 20 years, I talk to hundreds of people every year and they are very appreciative of what we have here — particularly because it is not like their home town, which implies to me that it is important to make an effort to not be like everywhere else.
While we recognize that we have a unique community in a spectacular setting, it takes an effort to resist the temptation for rapid and potentially unplanned growth.
Recognizing the balance between growth and quality of life, the roller coaster of our seasonal economy is at best challenging and presents economic hardships for many. There is no one answer to winter’s economic depression, though a lot of sunlight would help.
The immediate answer lies in the combined effect of many smaller economic engines. Some of my economic priorities would include:
With the loss of the chip facility, staging areas in our port sit unutilized. Upgrades to the deep water dock will make it functional for commercial shipping, and staging as a transshipping point. Marketing by the City and the Port and Harbor would raise our visibility and potentially bring more offers to use the facility. As a transshipping point for the Kenai Peninsula corridor from Sterling to Homer I have to ask if bringing products over our dock would lower the prices for goods and services.
With expanded dormitory housing, Homer could become an education center reaching out to nonresidents outside the Homer community. The University of Alaska Kenai Peninsula College has been expanding services and adding more courses leading to four-year degree programs. A new science lab was built last year and there is the potential for a marine biology program in the future.
Space needs studies at City Hall clearly indicate that there is a shortage of space today. Everyone recognizes that the current City Hall is a natural for additional college classrooms and offices.
Expanding hospital services are very important to an aging population, and Homer has seen an influx of relocating retirees. There are many Alaskans who would like to stay in Alaska when retired, and Homer looks pretty good to them. Clearly, additional services are important to the general health of the population, and people investing in the community.
Anchored by a new Fred Meyer store, the Town Center Project is off the ground with potential for a civic anchor, parks and additional small businesses.
As a voice of reason I advocate a responsible approach to issues, taking care of the business at hand following established proven processes utilizing individual input, city commissions and public hearings.
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