The Couv is a goofy-sounding name for any city. In light of recent attitudes about the Columbia River Crossing, oil terminals, coal trains, light rail, Don Benton’s attempts at payback, asphalt plants, biomass power plants, etc., I propose Vancouver be renamed Nimbyville, or perhaps Fort Nimby. Obviously preying on peoples’ fears with the constant “what if” propositions, in lieu of common sense and some visionary thought, wins the day in Clark County (and Olympia).
Apparently “we” are resigned to developing the entire riverfront into high-rises, tourist attractions and a downtown that will thrive on menial service-type jobs. Any proposals for port improvement seems defaulted to Camas-Washougal.
While we ponder Pearson Field’s demise due to airspace and bridge height restrictions, we have lost our ability to dream. Where is the commuter airport near the Interstate 5 corridor? Where is any sports complex for a viable minor league farm team? What is our solution to the traffic mess at the fairground event center? Where is the new rail system to allow Amtrak east-west passenger trains to maintain any schedule? Where is the new railroad bridge from the Expo Center and light rail loop returning to Oregon over the Interstate 205 bridge? Where is the thought for a freeway connecting state Route 502 frim Battle Ground to Washougal — along with David Madore’s bridge to Oregon?
Naysaying and fear-mongering will limit us to forever being a suburb of Portland.
Hal Kilbourne
Hockinson
