Letter: Unique perspective

Published 12:15 am Thursday, October 17, 2024

In a recent letter to the editor, written by John Windus, I found it interesting that he chose to attack me, when he has never met me nor spoken to me. Windus took “quotes” from “social media” regarding the Heritage Square debate, which took place more than two years ago.

Our previous city administration made the decision to give away land in the center of our historic district to build a four-story apartment building with a Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare supportive housing component. I, along with 800 other citizens, chose to fight that decision.

We prevailed, and now that center has a more appropriate location on W. Marine Drive and Heritage Square, in joint cooperation with the city, will be a beautiful public square. The same can be said for LiFEBoat Services. It is a necessary service, simply in the wrong location.

I am, and always have been, pro housing. My family has been in the homebuilding industry most of my life. Astoria absolutely needs more workforce housing. We have a growing industry at Tongue Point, more employees needed at the hospital and a dire need for employees downtown.

As a building owner in downtown Astoria, member of the Astoria Downtown Historic District Association, Astoria Uppertown Business Association, Friends of Heritage Square Board and the Astoria budget committee, I have a unique perspective of the dynamics necessary to help sustain a safe and thriving city.

That is why I am running for Astoria City Council, Ward 4 and believe to be the most qualified candidate.

MIMI ROSE

Astoria