From the Desk of the Mayor November 2023
Dear Neighbors,
Season changes are coming, evidenced by the squirrel in the tree outside my office window; I watch him diligently gather nuggets for winter storage. Campaign signs that once dotted the Longview canvas, have been gathered up and stowed away as well.
As seasons change, know that the consistent efforts by the excellent service of our city employees will continue and regardless the season, our knowledgeable and helpful staff will do their best to meet the needs of Longview’s changing seasons.
There are many things to rejoice about and be thankful for in Longview as the leaves fall and the air gets colder. Here are just a few:
- Contract renewal for Hope Village- The Salvation Army has been a wonderful partner with the City of Longview for serving the chronically homeless, and to date, 43 individuals have been successfully connected to supportive services and have acquired housing out of the changing elements of outdoor living.
- Revenues from the housing and related services sales tax of one-tenth of 1% will help to preserve and re-stock our housing supply for senior and disabled citizens. In addition, a housing project through the Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington (HOSWWA), (Longview’s housing authority) is Sunrise Village, a Multifamily Affordable housing project that is near completion of the environmental assessment process. This forty-unit affordable housing project, which will be located at 38th/Pennsylvania, is almost ready for construction!
- Annexations are on the rise! Turns out many property owners would rather be Longview residents than subjects of the county alone. Here are the exciting benefits of annexation into the City Of Longview: https://www.mylongview.com/DocumentCenter/View/3731/Benefits-of-Annexation-2022-?bidId=
- In addition to 162 applications for building and development, permits have been issued for development for a new Corrugated Pipe Factory, an Industrial Rail Corridor Expansion, a number of new homes and remodels, as well as a new accessory dwelling unit.
- Divert, Inc is on the second round of permit revisions, Papa Pete’s pizza has opened a downtown Longview location at the former Pizza Hut building, The Family Health Center is remodeling conference rooms and exam rooms, and WinCo Foods is replacing appliances in their baking department.
- The Central Sandlot Baseball Field at Archie Anderson Park in the Highlands will be improved with new fencing and concrete pads for young ball players to enjoy in the summer season.
- The City of Longview is applying for electric vehicle charging stations through the Department of Commerce with locations proposed for City Hall, and two downtown parking lots.
- Vandercook Park will have an addition of a new restroom soon allowing children of all ages to continue to use the courts, grassy area, playground and picnic tables to their hearts content.
- Winter rates are in place at Mint Valley Golf course, soups are back on Wednesdays, and punch cards will be available December 9-31st. When was the last time you visited the golf course?
- Longview Public library has begun a program, “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” to help the children read 1000 books before starting Kindergarten. This amazing effort demonstrates our City’s continuing commitment to literacy and supporting future generations. The theme for the 2024 Summer Reading Program will be: “Adventure Begins at the Library.” They certainly do.
What a blessing to be a part of a vibrant community that offers so many wholesome activities, and enhancements for individuals and families to enjoy. Let us continue to be grateful for the little and big things!
What are you thankful for this season?
Many blessings to all for a healthy and happy Thanksgiving!
Mayor MaryAlice Wallis