Pier Pressure
A cadre of retired folks piqued over construction-related closures of their beloved fishing pier have expressed their displeasure to the Port of Edmonds, reported Chris Keuss, port executive director.
He’s been fielding calls protesting the pier being off-limits from 6:45 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday until Sept. 7. Weekend (including Friday) and evening access is not affected.
The closure is necessary for safety reasons, Keuss said. Underway are port and city projects, including seawall replacement and outfall pipe installation.
Taking Care of Business
No set agenda, time limits or official action are in order at the Edmonds City Council’s community outreach meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30 at Sherwood Elementary.
Groups and individuals with concerns or questions about city goings on are urged to attend the information sessions held on the fifth Tuesday of the month.
On the council’s calendar for the Aug. 2 regular meeting are public hearings on the 2005 mid-year budget amendment and proposed changes to the parking code.
Presentation of a public/private partnership proposal by developer Bob Gregg is on the agenda for Aug. 16.
Garden Parties
#Luxe yachts and yawls aren’t the only eye candy attracting attention at the Port of Edmonds this time of year.
The profusion of blooms spilling from containers on the promenade also draws oohs and aahs from visitors and waterfront habitues.
The green thumb behind the purple, orange and yellow floral displays is Debbie Eckholt, 41, fulltime garden genie for the port. Assisting her is Casey King, 16, a seasonal port employee who reportedly wields a mean watering can.
Eckholt, holder of a technical-arts degree in landscaping from Edmonds Community College, said she begins in the winter researching color schemes and plant pairings, taking into consideration the extreme weather conditions plantings must tolerate.
She said she relies on a Skagit Valley wholesaler for the bulk of the flowers, shrubs and trees and taps area retailers for this ‘n’ that.
There’s a lot of satisfaction in viewing her handiwork this time of year, Eckholt said. She added that she admires, but is not in competition with, Edmonds’ flower-basket and curbside-garden program.
“OK” is how she termed the port’s success in the annual Edmonds in Bloom competition.
“Wow” is the verdict, though, from promenade passersby.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
