Crescent Bar residents work to save island
File photo/Columbia Basin Herald<br> A view of Crescent Bar Island, on the Columbia River. Some residents have plans to manage the island as a nonprofit if Grant PUD renews a lease allowing them to live there.
CRESCENT BAR — A group of Crescent Bar homeowners shared their plan to run the island as a nonprofit organization during recent talks with representatives of Crescent Bar Inc.
The residents are planning for the future because a Grant County PUD lease, which allows about 1,000 people to live there, expires in 2012.
When formed, the residents’ group would partner with the PUD and have a charter including “substantially enhancing public access and recreation at Crescent Bar,” according to resident Doug Caton.
The utility’s commissioners haven’t made any decisions about renewing the lease.
Crescent Bar Inc. currently holds the lease and operates a golf course, campground and marina on the island as well as handling subleasing for both RV parks and the condos.
The island is north of the Vantage Bridge on the Columbia River and attracts thousands of people during the summer months.
Crescent Bar Inc. Vice President Ed Pace said on Monday residents want to take over the island.
“We do not disagree,” Pace said. “We would like to see them get a lease extension, we really would.”
But the decision is up to Grant PUD, he explained.
Crescent Bar Inc. agreed to work with residents and post new signs in the parking lot across from the condos on the island, which will announces there’s free parking available during the day.
Parking is free at the public beach, Pace said.
The new signs should be ready soon, Caton said.
Caton said they don’t have their management group in place yet, but he and others have worked with Crescent Bar Inc. to improve the public’s perception of an island that some believe doesn’t appear open to the public.
“We want it to be inviting,” Caton said.
One deterrent is a sign stating a charge for parking.
Visitors are paying for parking, but that particular parking lot is directly across from the condos, said resident Nancy Polky.
It is the first lot seen when visitors drive over the bridge onto the island, she explained.
A non-property owner could drive onto the island, park their car for a few hours and take a hike, free of charge, she and Caton confirmed.
“We think we bring a lot to the area of Grant County,” Caton said. “We attract many, many visitors to the area who spend their money in Grant County.”
The homeowners’ associations on the island purchase their supplies locally in Grant County, he said.
Owners, guests and renters spend locally as well.
“We really want to make Crescent Bar the gem of the Columbia River and make it an attractive place to come to,” Caton commented.
The group wants to continue to bring even more revenue to Grant County from all over the state, he stated.
They believe it’s in the best interest of the community for residents to remain living on the island.