Collins Street plan draws opposition

In a notable development for the Goldendale City Council, Ellie Casey announced she will not seek re-election, opening the door for new leadership. At a recent council meeting, an engaged audience expressed strong opposition to a proposal to eliminate parking on Collins Street. While some community members believed a new four-way stop would enhance safety, others raised concerns about potential noise pollution from trucks needing to shift gears after stopping. The council ultimately voted to reject the parking elimination and sent the matter to the public works committee for further exploration. In addition to this, the council made a significant decision to disband the city’s Board of Adjustment, choosing to contract a law firm for land use hearings instead.

They also approved a $5,000 funding request from the Old Highway 97 Cruisers club for their upcoming car show, set to coincide with Goldendale Community Days in July. City Police Chief Mike Smith reported a slight decrease in calls but noted a doubling in arrests over the past month, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance. Overall, these developments reflect ongoing changes and community engagement within Goldendale's governance.