| Subject: Open Forum Letter from Paul Putkey |
Author:
debatable
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Date Posted: 09/14/06 5:40pm
In reply to:
sports fan
's message, "Have the college build a sports complex for itself that the high school can use" on 08/27/06 5:47pm
Letter: Security concern
I had the opportunity to attend the recent public meeting in Astoria regarding the proposed relocation of Clatsop Community College to John Warren Field.
I learned several things: there are good honest citizens supporting this move; a wonderful design has been put together; many fine reasons were outlined for the relocation; John Warren Field is the only site that is being developed; and substantial resources, financial and human, have been committed towards this goal.
What has not been completely realized, with the best of all intentions, is that the college will not be able to provide a suitable replacement for Warren Field. The simple fact is that level, stable land with suitable drainage, and large enough to support a football facility, is a rare commodity in or near Astoria.
The proposed site, bordered by Oregon Highway 202, Walluski Loop and the Walluski River, is a firm pasture in August, but a very robust wetland in December. It is designated by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as flood zone "A." This is not a model location for a sports complex.
Construction in wetlands and flood zone "A" can be very problematic. Yes, civil engineers can do anything, they can float a concrete base for an all-weather field on piles, and they can design an active drainage system to keep the area nearly dry. All it takes is money, time and a robust maintenance program.
What is not discussed about this site is long-term maintenance. Wetlands and flood zones will always try to reclaim themselves. To preserve any structures from water damage will require vigilant monitoring of the drainage system and security. Yes, security. This field will not be under the watchful eye of the Astoria Police Department and the townspeople of Astoria, as is Warren Field. The Walluski Loop can be a lonely area.
Who is going to pay any additional maintenance and security for a facility located at the Fairgrounds. Will the school district be able to fund it? It is clear, even with the recently passed levy, the fairgrounds' resources are thin, and cannot and should not take on any additional responsibilities for maintenance or security for a sport complex.
And what if, down the line, the Walluski River floods this plain, warping the football field's foundation, or unanticipated settling occurs. Who will pay for repairs?
There is a perfect place in Astoria that is not a wetland nor in a flood zone, with adequate drainage, close to the heart of town, and it's called John Warren Field. I can understand and appreciated both the excitement of a new college campus and football field, but at what cost? The Astoria School District does not have to give up Warren Field, it can keep it and a 79-year tradition alive. The college can develop another site. The former waste transfer facility has great possibilities.
I can understand the pressure public officials will be under to move the college to Warren Field. So it will be up to the voters of Clatsop County to ensure the best decision is made. Since I believe the Warren Field site is the only site the college board supports, and there is no suitable replacement site for John Warren Field, I will vote no on the college bond measure. I urge the voters of Clatsop County to do the same.
PAUL PUTKEY
Warrenton
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