I am writing to express my support for the offer the Port of Centralia has made to end the warehouse moratorium.
The proposal addresses the most pressing issues that drove the moratorium to begin with as well as opening up a strong channel for community partnership in the future. It also extends a generous offer to contribute sale proceeds for the benefit of our community.
The property tax valuation alone will benefit Centralia schools, fire and other important services. As the Port grows, incomes grow and other jobs come to the community.
I feel it would be shortsighted to allow this offer to die on the vine. The alternative could have adverse impacts on our community in the short term, especially with the land purchase already made by a developer under the assumption they could develop the land for its intended use.
I could see the possibility of lawsuits, etc., from the developer that might impact port finances and our community adversely.
Not to mention any potential reputational risk our community might face from conflict between governing entities in our community.
Sometimes you have to take moderate wins to get future gains. Improved communication, traffic mitigation, investing in distressed properties and adding trails in our community all make our community more attractive to future development and people wanting to move here.
I implore the Centralia City Council to accept this proposal and close this chapter as we enter a new era.
Matt Evans,
Former Port of Centralia commissioner
