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Correspondence: April 8
Public wants island back
Crescent Bar was once OUR island in the sun — a recreational park that was open to the public, as it was meant to be. I’m sure there are some very nice people who live there and love it. But while they have literally taken it over and enjoyed it for decades, the public has been mostly shut out since 1973 when Crescent Properties subleased it. If the PUD extends these leases from 2012 to 2023, we will have been without it for 50 years. Is that fair? The residents were informed with their lease agreements that their trailers might have to be moved with 48 hours’ notice. So two years from now should give them enough time. The most vocal leaders of “Save Crescent Bar (for the residents)” have no concept of the island’s history. When Orlan Wood said the entire intrastructure was bought and paid for with purchase of the condos or lots, this is simply not true. The Quincy Port District leased the island for fifty years, beginning in 1962. They developed the island for public use and did a great job. There was a restaurant, pub room, snack bar, boat marina, grocery store, a picnic area, etc., as well as a park ranger and a grounds’ keeper.
Our family had “camp-outs” in the PUBLIC campground, for 11 consecutive years. The campsites were within the area where the current RV trailers are now. Each campsite had electric hook-ups, water, a table, a barbecue pit and was surrounded by grass. There were three large public rest rooms with hot and cold water. Apparently these were removed in order to make room for more sites to lease.
There was a public restroom on the east beach with showers — facing the very popular swimming area. This was gutted by fire about 1976. Crescent Properties collected the insurance but did not replace it.
When the park opened in 1962, the people of Quincy supported it in a big way. They raised funds to buy slides, forts, etc. for the children. The young people walked around the island on the trails; we sat around campfires in the lovely star-studded evenings. It was a place where families could bring their children and feel safe.
This was OUR island — until it was subleased in 1973.
How do you think WE felt when we lost our beautiful park?
— Dorothy J. Schroeder
Not in favor of CB lease extension
In the Port-Crescent Bar lease, it states the Port and the PUD approved the Crescent Bar Master Development Plan in 1973 (page 6). It was the business, Crescent Properties Incorporation (now Crescent Bar Incorporation) who would over the years improve and maintain the property, as written out on the lease. Unless shown differently, apparently the residents did not voluntarily give money or invest their money as they have claimed. It was done through the required homeowners association fees and such, per applicable leases.
Also in the Port-Crescent Bar lease, the subject of the 11 year expansion was “desired” by the CPI, the Port and the PUD, while maintaining the 2012 expiration. Representatives from the three entities signed it and were all notarized accordingly.
Also, I couldn’t find the requirements to be mobilized within 48 hours in either leases. I would imagine that issue is covered in the leases between Crescent Bar Incorporation and the residents.
I am not in favor of the extension. The Crescent Bar residents have had several decades (at least) and currently two whole years to move in 2012. However, I think there is more to this situation than we realize and we must to do it right this time for the generations that follow us. Please I urge all to read the PUD-Port and the Port-Crescent Bar leases.
— Gayle Sorlien
Thanks to donors
The Quincy Youth Wrestling Breakfast was once again a huge success. This is only possible due to the generous support of our community. Quincy Valley Kiwanis would like to thank the following businesses for their continued support through donations: Potatoes — ConAgra, Apples — Starr Ranch, Milk — Quincy Deli Mart, Pears — Del Monte Foods/Yakima, Ham — Akins Harvest Foods.
— Jan Meek, for Quincy Kiwanis Club
