Cannon Beach voters have a great opportunity to restore a much-loved school, and create a wonderful space for residents and visitors. By approving Measure 4-234, voters will say they want the city of Cannon Beach to continue the NeCus’ project.

They will say they want their 70-year-old eyesore of a former school to become a community and visitors center that welcomes those who want to learn about the site’s heritage as a Clatsop-Nehalem Indian village, as a school where children received an excellent education, and as a space where the community held celebrations of all kinds.

NeCus’ will, once again, provide a focus for people to discover our coastal environment, create art, play sports, tell stories, hold community potlucks, watch movies, attend classes and stroll through a native garden.

Best of all, the project will cost taxpayers nothing. Voters are being asked to allow the city to sell $7.8 million in bonds to investors. To repay those investors, the city will use lodging taxes, which state law requires the city to use for tourism marketing or tourism facilities.

The remainder of the $12.4 million project, which also will come from lodging taxes, is already reserved. The city has spent $2 million on repairs to the school, and more repairs are needed — including electrical, plumbing, a fire wall — to make the building usable again.

This project isn’t a lavish boondoggle. It’s an opportunity to bring the community together and to welcome visitors who also love Cannon Beach.

NANCY McCARTHY

Cannon Beach city councilor

Cannon Beach