Opinion & Editorial

From the publisher: News, notes and anecdotes

If I had a hammer … I might likely be in Creswell, building something.

Perhaps you’ve noticed all of the activity around town; it’s hard to miss.

There’s something else that’s hard to miss – the feeling of opportunity, progress and positive growth for our community.

“All of this development is a positive sign,” said Creswell city planner Maddie Phillips. “In spite of the challenges we’ve had the past year, it’s such a testament to the resilience of the community and business community – and also a testament to the folks in the region.”

Beyond the news regarding Wise Woman Herbals’ expansion plans on Melton Road (see story on the front page), there’s a surge in activity all across town.

Property owner Jim Brick recently gained approval to build 12 units for retail on Highway 99 near F Street, next to his building that houses Northwest Auto Parts.

Meadowlark RV Park is well into its expansion along Oregon Avenue, adding a number of spaces. Landscaping was going in earlier this week. The new spots have forced Oregon Smoke Shack BBQ to relocate; it’s now operating under the canopy at the former Super 8 motel, with ownership’s approval. The renovation of the old motel is ongoing, and the City continues to negotiate with the property owners to establish a right-of-way through the area.

There was activity outside Banh Mi & Brews this past weekend, increasing hope that the eatery featuring Vietnamese food and German beer will open soon.

Existing businesses and spaces are seeing changes, too. Ransom Briggs recently opened 2nd Chance PC, in between Patty’s and Panacea’s barber shop in the retail mall on East Oregon Avenue.

Pazzo has relaunched with an entirely new approach and menu. The tapas-inspired dishes will allow Chef Scott Pisani to serve a wider array of options and showcase his expansive skills.

And then there is the Holbrook Apartments project. Arbor South Architecture is designing 21 townhome rental units. The property owner for this initiative owns the units across the street from the proposed townhomes. Construction design review is underway, according to Phillips, and the contractor hopes to break ground soon after July 4. 

The City is staying actively involved, too, with its own properties.

The Public Works crew is putting the finishing touches on a new playground for children at the Cobalt Activity Center. It is positioned next to the outdoor senior exercise area. The new playground includes adaptive equipment for kids with disabilities.

The nine-hole disc golf course is fully installed at Garden Lake Park, drawing interest from players throughout the southern Willamette Valley. 

Lastly, Cliff Bellew, the city’s director of public works, is overseeing the construction of a “pump track” on Niblock Lane off 1st Street. A pump track is a special circuit for mountain bikers to coast over rolling mounds without having to pedal. Much more to come on all of this.

***

Of course, work continues on the Creswell 76 Station, preparing the old gas-pumps area for the car wash installation. While the project remains apace, station owner Bill Spencer has made it clear where his priorities are right now. He said he and his wife Pam are committed to an East Coast visit with their grandchildren. And there might be a long-awaited “vacation of a lifetime” with Pam in 2021.

Noel Nash is publisher of The Chronicle.

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