Crescent Bar residents push for another option

Port of Quincy Commissioner Curt Morris looks at a packet of recreation options for Crescent Bar Island. Grant PUD Commissioner Tom Flint and Kelly Larimer, Grant PUD lands and recreation manager, are also pictured.

by Lynne Lynch<br> Herald Staff Writer
| July 13, 2010 1:00 PM

Although recreation planning for Crescent Bar Island continues, islanders are pushing for an unavailable option: They want to remain living on the island.

QUINCY — Although recreation planning for Crescent Bar Island continues, islanders are pushing for an unavailable option.

They want to remain living on the island.

Grant County PUD commissioners voted against extending the lease allowing residential use.

But outside a Grant County PUD workshop at the Quincy Fire Station, Doug Caton and Nancy Polky distributed flyers stating their group’s position Wednesday.

Another document, titled “The future of Crescent Bar leaseholders lies in your hands,” was also given to the more than 150 people attending the meeting.

The flyer states island leaseholders are comprised of the condos and the two trailer parks.

“We are not affiliated with Crescent Bar Inc. (CBI), who has a master lease from the Port of Quincy to run the operations of the island,” according to the flyer. “The leaseholders do not derive any revenue from any charges that the public pays CBI during their visit at Crescent Bar.”

People were given the opportunity to submit comments about the recreation options.

Commissioners will select a recreational option at a later date.

Mike Clement, of Grant PUD, said he received feedback on a not-offered option allowing residential use.

Elaine Duda, of Crescent Bar, said she attended the workshop because she is going to lose her home.

Paul Metli, of Crescent Bar, said he wanted “to see who the mean-spirited people are who are about to kick us out.”

Karen Brantuer, of Crescent Bar, said she attended to see what the plans were for the island.

“I would like to stay,” she said. “I would like the option that we stay.”

Wes Prinzen, of Crescent Bar, said he thinks the situation is “totally unfair.”

He claimed the PUD will lose $90 million and won’t have the money to develop the island.

The PUD’s recreation options require police and park rangers, Prinzen said.

He works on the golf course, which is locked.

“If we didn’t do that, people would destroy it,” Prinzen said. “The gate is there to keep people out at night. If we didn’t have it, people would tear it up.”

Grant PUD Commissioner Tom Flint said he’s spoken with some people wanting to know which option is more public-oriented.

“Here, it’s a mix,” Flint commented. “Some are wanting us to reconsider our position. I’m adamant and won’t entertain that.”

Grant PUD commissioner candidate Patti Paris, of Moses Lake, said she thinks the commission acted responsibly not to extend the lease.

“I think they have to do what they have to do, to meet the expectations of FERC,” Paris says.

She likes the idea of keeping the golf course and cannot envision how keeping the condos would work because it seems expensive.

Sharon Parrott lives off the island at Crescent View. She is disappointed in what the PUD is going to do and favors the majority of option B.

Option B lists a public campground, boat launch and moorage, fuel float, habitat restoration, trail system, day use parks, commercial buildings and renovated buildings.

“Where will the PUD get the money to develop this?” she asked.

Parrott thinks residents should be allowed to stay, with modifications.

The fences must go, the island has to be open to the public and public space must be marked for day use, she said.

Grant PUD commission candidate Brandt Castleton, of Royal Camp, said he supports current residential use and a lease extension for people already there.

It’s best for Grant County ratepayers, tourism and the reputation of Grant County and the PUD to allow residents to stay, he said.