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Viewpoints

White Cliff Yes
By Vernon Keller

 

September 30, 2006
Saturday


On October 3rd, we have an opportunity to make significant progress in the creation of the White Cliff Center. Propositions 1 and 2 will provide a major portion of the funding for the Center. The Center will be a multigenerational, year-round facility serving the entire community. The Center will provide a home for the Ketchikan Area Arts and Humanities Council, the First City Players, the Ketchikan Theatre Ballet, and the Ketchikan Senior Citizens Services. This facility will allow these already successful organizations to continue flourishing in Ketchikan. It also returns one of Ketchikan s valued historic buildings, the White Cliff School, to service.

Some people have been expressing concern about the conversion of the White Cliff School. I have spoken with people who have wondered if hazardous materials have been accounted for, if the rehabilitated structure would be ADA-accessible, and if there would be adequate parking. Based on the work done by the White Cliff Steering Committee, I believe all of these concerns, and many others, have been fully addressed.

The White Cliff Steering Committee is a group of 15 local residents who have extensively studied this project. The Committee s efforts over the last several years have led to a visionary and viable use for the White Cliff School. Their familiarity with Ketchikan has created a project tailor made for our community. Their connection with Ketchikan provides assurance that this project will be an asset to our community. If you would like more information on the planning of this project, please visit www.ketchikanarts.org/whitecliff for complete details.

I believe that the Center will support economic development in our community by attracting new residents and visitors. This facility will be one of the things that Ketchikan boasts about when we seek to bring new businesses or employees to our community. The services the Center will provide to the community will also inspire current and future residents to stay in Ketchikan. By making Ketchikan an even better place to live and visit, the Center will have a positive impact on our economy.

Vernon Keller
Ketchikan, AK - USA


Received September 30, 2006 - Published September 30, 2006


About: "I am a 23-year resident of Ketchikan who values a variety of year-round activities for my family. I have been following the development of the White Cliff Center since it was originally proposed several years ago."

 

On the Web:

Proposition 1 - Sales Tax Increase: For the full text of Ordinance No. 1403 click here
http://borough.ketchikan.ak.us/clerks/documents/1403.pdf

Proposition 2 - Bonds: For the full text of Ordinance No. 1404 click here
http://borough.ketchikan.ak.us/clerks/documents/1404.pdf

White Cliff Project
http://www.ketchikanarts.org/whitecliff

 

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and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews.

 

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