A consulting firm hired by the Anacortes Futures Project steering committee spent 2 hours Thursday night listening to how residents see the future of the town. More meetings are set for Nov. 16 and Dec. 9.
Bassuk, with the consulting firm, launched the meeting by saying that she's been visiting Anacortes for years and that "Anacortes has changed a lot in the decade I've been working here."
What people said they like:
- Hometown businesses
- The Community Forest Lands
- Small town feel
- The waterfront and views all around
- Our local hospital
But, residents said we face serious issues:
- How to retain the small town feel we have now
- Affordable housing with living wage jobs
- Balancing the need for development and our heritage
- Balancing the quality of life with personal needs
- Keeping the youth here, rather than letting them move to larger cities
- Improving shopping alternatives
Bassuk summed the meeting up by saying that it looks like Anacortes residents are looking for continued economic growth balanced with improved quality of life here.
For more on the Anacortes Futures Project, visit their Web site and take their online poll.