1/28/2009 Chehalis Renaissance Rumbles On

Wednesday, January 28, 2009
By Eric Schwartz, The Chronicle

Despite tough economic times, or perhaps in light of them, the Chehalis City Council voted in favor of what might be the first step in its ongoing Renaissance Project Monday. The council voted 4-0 in favor of using $25,000 from hotel/motel tax revenue to go toward a match on a $65,000 grant from Lewis County that would be used to purchase new signage throughout the city. Two councilors were absent, and councilor Dennis Dawes abstained because he was unsure it was a proper use of tourism funds.

Signage and a new brand for Chehalis is just one of the goals of the Renaissance Project, which has been in the works for more than a year and aims to create a plan for the city over the next 25 to 30 years.

Chehalis has paid Beckwith Consulting Group about $150,000 to lead the project thus far, leaving only about $20,000 in the contract, according to city manager Merlin MacReynold. MacReynold agreed that the spending might bring criticism, especially in light of falling revenue and a murky economic forecast. He said it represents an opportunity for Chehalis, and could be an asset even during an apparent recession. "We are going to complete this project in hopes that we help people keep jobs and promote business," he said. "We can't just throw our hands up and say 'the economy is bad.' We have to do something."

The council's vote came after a work session that was held before the regular meeting. There, community members and business owners stressed the importance of the project for its ability to bring many interests and funding sources to the same table.

Tom Beckwith unveiled a draft implementation plan during the meeting which revealed a scope of work that has been derived from surveys, public meetings and requests from the city's Economic Development Steering Committee. Among the action items were recommendations that Chehalis acquire the St, Helens Inn, install angle parking throughout the city, make road improvements, and create a young professionals organization, among dozens of additional possibilities. Beckwith said his firm will spend the next month working through feasibility issues and searching for funding.

Greg Lund, a Realtor and member of the steering committee, agreed with MacReynold's sentiments during the work session. He said now is the time to be making improvements to infrastructure and beautifying the community to attract businesses. "We have to make sure we stay out there waving the flag for when they have a few more shekels in their pocket," Lund said.

David Hartz of Book 'n' Brush in Chehalis read off a laundry list of businesses that have closed near the downtown area in recent months, including the Chehalis Theatre. He said it is in the best interest of the business community to maintain Beckwith's services, and that the committee had moved a long ways since its start. "We need this objective leadership to continue leading us down this road," Hartz said.

 MacReynold said that Beckwith's contract will expire within a couple months.