The Commercial Street Boardwalk in Nevada City gets another year of life. The vote passing 3-1 at Wednesday night’s Nevada City City Council meeting following over two hours of public comment both for and against the project. Council member Terri Anderson was the dissenting vote referring to historical reasons saying that just because it is made of wood doesn’t mean it meets requirements of the city historical ordinance. Mayor Sally Harris could not support a five year extension until social and perceived safety issues around the Boardwalk were addressed. In turn Harris proposed supporting a one-year extension.
Click here to listen to Mayor Sally Harris
Council member Robert Bergman responded that the year review will be less a defense and more of a continuation of the positive changes.
Click here to listen to Robert Bergman
The agenda item opened with a presentation by Reinette Senum focusing on the positive social changes and community benefits the Boardwalk has achieved since its installation two years ago. Senum was requesting a five year extension, but is happy to take the next year to demonstrate more positive impacts on community.
A majority of the public comment was in favor of the Boardwalk, but there were some speaking against. Long time resident and member of the Historical Society, Madellyn Helling, referred to the historical ordinance and its significance as future development decisions are made.
Click here to listen to Madellyn Helling
Mayor Harris, Council members Dwayne Stawser and Robert Bergam voted in favor of the extension. Council member Jennifer Ray was not present.
Dale Scott Hickman
Robinson Plaza is historically correct? It attracts various and sundry folks as well, but I'm not hearing any complaints about it. I like both it and the boardwalk. I will sit at the boardwalk on occasion and converse with all kinds of people, rich, poor, "solid citizens," homeless, and the barely-hanging-on. I enjoy what they all bring; it's what gives our community it's real color and flavor. Besides, before the boardwalk was built the sidewalks would often be too clogged to pass on many evenings. Now the young and footloose have some place to hang out that isn't blocking foot traffic. I think the real root of this controversy is that we older people are envious of these young and footloose citizens, and wish they were out of sight so we wouldn't have to feel bad about our own situations.