So often in La Conner, answer is 'not yet'

In the 23 years I have lived in Shelter Bay there have been many notable improvements in La Conner, such as the roundabout, the fire station, the La Conner Swinomish Library, Channel Cove, Gilkey Square, the boardwalk and Conner Waterfront Park. However, I have noticed that many projects seem to reach a certain stage and then just stop. Whether this is because of money, permits or lack of will, us common folk don’t know the reason. Maybe others could help me understand why so many projects stall. Here are a few examples of what I am talking about, in no particular order.

1. The Moore-Clark building. It has been vacant since we moved here over 22 years ago. We have read of numerous proposals to restore or demolish this eyesore, but nothing has happened. Why?

2. Maple Avenue Park. Since the town acquired this property and sold part of it for development, plans were made for a park to be developed on the rest of the property. That has not happened yet. Why?

3. The old COA restaurant site on Maple Avenue. It has been several years since COA moved to their present location. Since then, the old site has remained vacant. Why?

4. The wading area at Conner Waterfront Park. Part of the plan for Conner Waterfront Park was to construct a wading beach at its south end. It has been several years since those plans were formulated but there is no wading area. Why?

5. The area along the channel just south of the little park. The building that used to be there was torn down several years ago leaving a large deck supported by pilings. Wouldn’t this area be prime for enlarging the park and installing amenities such as a covered picnic area? However, the area just sits there deteriorating. Why?

6. The old gas station at the entrance to town. For years there have been rumors that this building would house a takeaway fish and chips shop. It looks like progress has been made but the business is still not open. Why?

7. Center Street apartments. Some work has been done at this location, however not recently. Why?

8. The property behind Pioneer Market. Signs were posted saying the property was subdivided and ready for constructing houses, however it has been months or years since any activity has been apparent at the site. Why?

9. The apartments at the base of Snapdragon Hill. Site work was done here several months ago including installing utilities and a sidewalk and re-paving the road. However, the project seems to have stalled. Why?

10. The fish slide at Conner Waterfront Park. I think the concept for this was flawed in the first place. Would little children really like to pretend to be eaten by a giant fish and then pooped out? That can be the source of terrible nightmares. Now what to do with this sculpture? It is constantly closed and being repaired. What are the plans for the fish slide and when will they be implemented?

Art Kendall observes greater La Conner from his home in Shelter Bay.