Friends of Leavenworth host packed meeting

    The Leavenworth Fire Hall was at max capacity at the Friends of Leavenworth meeting on Friday, March 15. Over 130 residents gathered in the standing room only hall at 6:30 p.m.
    "Our mission of Leavenworth area residents is to work together to preserve our quality of life and unique environment for present and future generations," said Duane Goehner, Friends of Leavenworth member, as he introduced the resident formed group to the crowd.
    An array of visitors, from inside city limits to outside city limits, attended to discuss what they want in their city, impending projects in their city and have a chance to voice concern over possible impacts of projects that are on the city's radar. Many familiar faces in the community were scattered in the audience.
    "Our vision is that we want to have a vibrant small town which successfully balances productivity, visibility and protection of the natural environment," said Goehner.
    The meeting gave the Friends of Leavenworth board members an opportunity to introduce themselves, establish the group's objectives and also an in-depth conversation about what they are concerned about.
    "We want to be about representing the residents needs. We're encouraging you to be aware and understand the issues, often times we don't really know what's going on in our community," said Goehner.
    There was an emphasis on preserving the welfare of life in Leavenworth, not only for the current residents already rooted here but for the future ones as well. After some previous debate swirled, whether or not Friends of Leavenworth is against tourism, there was a clarification in the meeting - Goehner stated that the group is not against tourism but rather keeping it controllable.
    "As an organization we strive to protect the health, the safety and the quality of life for residents - now and into the future. We hope to promote sustainable tourism and diverse economic growth," said Goehner.
    The group also stated that they aren't working to push back on some of the movers and shakers in town, such as the business community and the city administration - but rather merge together to foster a positive environment for both residents and tourists.
    "(One objective is) To work cooperatively with the city, county, state agencies to balance priorities that allow growth and protecting the unique qualities of our community and to partner with the business community and share goals," said Goehner. "Some of you that have been in the community for awhile realize there has been some misinformation. Sometimes people have called Friends of Leavenworth anti-business, anti-tourism - that is not really who we are."
    One issue of concern that surfaced during the meeting was a buzzword common in City Council meetings - the Adventure Park, which seemed to be the biggest reason residents gravitated to the meeting. There was also mention of the upcoming Weidner Apartments project near Safeway, KOA annexation and the parking board that was assembled by the city (i.e. the hospital hasn't been included, only business owners and non-Leavenworth commuters).   
    The event seemed to be an avenue for open ended dialogue regarding city related topics that are usually harnessed into a three minute cap for public comment at city meetings. The powerpoint guided the conversation but the setting also allowed ideas on how to address concerns to circulate. The meeting was also a way to push for more participation and engagement from residents.
    "Where we're going to have the best voice is when we release our singing together. That's why we want to share our goals and values are and our mission - and hope that you want to become part of that as well."