Letter: False justifications

Published 12:15 am Thursday, October 17, 2024

Proponents of the Cannon Beach Elementary School rejuvenation project are trafficking in false justifications.

Lack of adequate parking for the CBE rejuvenation is countered by touting hotel shuttles providing transport. What hotel shuttles? Of the 30-plus hotels and approximately 200 short-term rentals in Cannon Beach, only one hotel has a passenger van and two others each have a car. A better use of transient lodging tax funds would be to revive the streetcar.

Events are promised only in the off-season when the rain will deter users from parking blocks away. Event-goers will overrun Beaver Street, Antler Street and adjacent neighborhoods, looking for a close parking spot.

There is an artificial sense of urgency about spending millions of dollars to renovate a dilapidated building. Proponents tell us that “everybody” wants this. My wife and in-laws, who attended this school are not part of “everybody”; they do not support it. For years, Cannon Beach has used TLT funds to support local nonprofits, fund events and to support art programs, which historically is a better use.

Tillamook County has utilized TLT funds to enhance public amenities, such as improving Manzanita’s public restrooms, upgrading Rockaway’s beach access park, funding the Kilchis Point Path and repairing beach accesses. The Cannon Beach City Council appears to have a narrow view of how TLT funds can be used.

When you vote, please carefully consider what is best for our community. A “no” vote on Measure 4-234 is a vote for what is right for all of Cannon Beach.

MATT BUSCHERT

Cannon Beach