Goofs
Dear Editor: I can’t stand it any more. I’ve got to fess up to a bunch of public goofs made in 2013 before another day goes by in 2014.
First, I gave the wrong person credit for cooking wonderful smoked fish last August for the Paths Across the Pacific conference. Ray Nielsen, a prize winning local chef, cooked the fish. Not his uncle, John Nielsen. Apologies to both. Phew. One goof down. Now I can nod to Ray at the Back Door without that twang of dumb guilt for getting his name wrong in the Sentinel last year.
Second goof: the Filipino Community of Sitka Dancers performed an elegant, graceful dance at the Paths dinner on Aug. 15, and I failed to introduce them. Their names are: Joy Antolin, Dianne Arce, Donnalyn Chong, Marilyn Castillo and Melissa Manuel. The dance, Pandango Rinconada, was such a refreshing, artistic, addition to our theme of shared oceans, shared humanity, I wish we had asked them to dance it three times. Salamat! Thank you very much.
A third, more recent goof: in my letter to the editor on Dec. 16, 2013, I got the numbers wrong on the Sound Development LLC purchase of city land on the South Benchlands. It includes 19 acres, not 9. (Parcels A, B, C, and D).
Fourth mistake, in that same December letter I thought the public might be interested in learning about this major land development in north Sitka and maybe even attend the final Planning Commission, an “extra” review meeting on Dec. 17, of two back-to-back “minor subdivisions” for a total of eight new lots off Kramer. But nobody from the public came. But me. And I left in a huff, more confused than ever. I’m glad no one else saw THAT performance! My apologies to all present. Part of growing up (and I am still trying) is knowing what NOT to do. And not doing it. Like getting mad at a public meeting (!)
Not to worry, dear Sitkans. You will have another chance to learn about plans for Whitcomb Heights, South Benchlands. Only Parcels A and B reached final approval that December night in 2013. Parcels C and D will come up sometime. And the city owns a lot more gorgeous land up there. About 174 more acres. Future Sitka. I wonder what it will look like. I wonder what larger community values will help shape those new neighborhoods.
Good news: an informative brochure about the Planning Commission is available now. In hard copy (yea!), which explains the processes involved. Only one major error in it: minor subdivisions cannot be appealed at the Assembly level. (Court is the only appeal) Boundaries do not have to be flagged. I guess little sticks with flimsy ribbons are too expensive for the developers. Only land owners within 150 feet (if there are any) have to be informed of plans. And responses, if any, have only five working days to be received. (In a fishing, seasonally fluctuating community!) As long as the “subdivision” is no more than four pieces, regardless of size, it can be called a “minor subdivision.” No wonder developers love that old code! (See Chapter 21.12. Page 242 243)
Enough. I hope I’ve cleared at least some of my goofs from 2013, probably just clearing the plate for new ones. Now I will plug along in my vintage, trying to behave myself, enjoying this truly remarkable town, walking the new sea walk, thanking the dog owners for using their leashes, grateful for city employees, and quietly thanking all those patient members of the public who serve on our many commissions – including the Planning Commission.
Nancy Yaw Davis, Sitka
