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NB wrote on Jul 25, 2008 9:18 PM:
A smart thing for North Bend to do, is, instead of building a boardwalk down by the water, where its to windy to walk anyway, use the money, to paint every house and building on Sherman Ave, starting with the North Bend Hotel, the biggest eyesore in town.
NB wrote on Jul 25, 2008 9:05 PM:
Like for instance, whats with the house with the forest around it, a couple houses from State St. Park. Unbelievable. How can you let a yard go that bad. So many like this around, but this takes the cake. And next to a park too. And the house accross from Ashworths market was given notices years ago and its still there, still a mess and for sale at that. Tear it down. Then sell the lot, worth more that way.
North Bender wrote on Jul 25, 2008 3:45 PM:
TO "REALIST" --- I lived in Portland and moved here and now wish I hadn't... it is a beautiful place but few people really care enough to "beautify" their own space or help to make our "common spaces" look the best they can... deffered maintenance on EVERYTHING abounds... a coat of paint, some flowers, mulch and a lawn mower can make a BIG difference... too bad not enough people care or are willing to clean up their messes...
Health Dept Ordinance wrote on Jul 25, 2008 7:39 AM:
Where I grew up in the midwest if a person didn't cut their overgrown lot or property the city would issue a warning, If the owner didn't comply by the deadline the city would come out and do it and then send the owner the bill. This was a health department ordinance. Overgrown lots and yards with debris encourage rats and other rodents that are a health danger to nearby residents including children. This isn't about property rights it's about the health and care of people.
Realist wrote on Jul 24, 2008 4:23 PM:
I lived the first 38 years of my life in North Bend and left about 5 years ago for Portland. Every time I come back it looks worse and worse to me. I imagine it really hasn't changed that much in 5 years and that it's more likely you just get used to it. But, whatever you may think, Oregon's Bay Area is a dump. Sorry.
And no comments needed about how I should just stay in Portland - I will.
And no comments needed about how I should just stay in Portland - I will.
CLEAN UP SOMETHING wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:54 PM:
Boy I sure agree with the person who said put down the remote control and get out and clean your yard and house, and do something to make your home look nice. It does not take money to clean up a yard, and clean your house and garage. Just some elbow grease. Don't be so lazy, just because you are poor. Do SOMETHING CONSTRUCTIVE, LIKE CLEANING UP.....
Janice wrote on Jul 21, 2008 8:26 AM:
Dan Packard says, "Coos Bay/North Bend has the geography and climate that people across America would drool for. Contact your local governments. Get involved. Ask what we can do to transform this scenic region into one that is livable for both locals and tourists."
You have good ideas but, unfortunately when many of us from the Glasgow and North Bay areas approach the North Bend City Council they tell us we are not part of the City of North Bend...we are county residents. Until there is a dramatic attitude shift amongst the NB city councilors and manager nothing much will change. It seems they have a real aversion to residents north of the bridge and don't appreciate our involvement. I am surprised they actually took the time to listen to Ms. Mangen's concerns as we are usually told that we aren't citizens of North Bend.
You have good ideas but, unfortunately when many of us from the Glasgow and North Bay areas approach the North Bend City Council they tell us we are not part of the City of North Bend...we are county residents. Until there is a dramatic attitude shift amongst the NB city councilors and manager nothing much will change. It seems they have a real aversion to residents north of the bridge and don't appreciate our involvement. I am surprised they actually took the time to listen to Ms. Mangen's concerns as we are usually told that we aren't citizens of North Bend.
Tired of her act wrote on Jul 20, 2008 3:08 PM:
It will take billions to spruce up Coos County and it would still not attract anyone but meth cookers and welfare moochers.
Matt wrote on Jul 16, 2008 9:16 AM:
To Hahaha: I beg the differ. Notice how republican strongholds like Coos County, Klamath Falls, Medford, etc. are all poor and rundown? Notice how the democratic areas of Oregon are prosperous and beautifully developed? Ashland, Cannon Beach, Astoria, Portland, Eugene, etc.
The census shows the populations in the democratic areas to be much more educated and well off. Funny you all jump on the "let's blame environmentalists for everything" band wagon. Look in the mirror.
The census shows the populations in the democratic areas to be much more educated and well off. Funny you all jump on the "let's blame environmentalists for everything" band wagon. Look in the mirror.
to Native of CB wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:08 PM:
Man that stinks, times change, either you change with them or you perish. It has been that way since the dawn of time. If you look around, CB/NB is in a state of perishing.
HAHAHA wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:03 PM:
Environmentalist fallout. Oregon is a blue state. This is the outcome of the worst democrat lead city/State I have ever seen. The root of the problem is the thought process. Turn on Rush or Sean Hannity and just listen to the other side. It can't be worse than what you are listening too.
jim bob wrote on Jul 15, 2008 5:16 PM:
if ya dont like coos bay yall can getout we dont like yer kind neways get rid of tha libirals bring back the sawmills also get rid of the mexes fur all i cair KEEP COOS BAY THA SAME DAMIT
To st NB Resident wrote on Jul 15, 2008 4:14 PM:
I'm so sorry for using your screen name. I should have paid more attention to the names.
NB Resident wrote on Jul 15, 2008 12:15 PM:
This is an interesting situation that it seems like we find ourselves in frequently here. My observation is that people like the natural beauty here and the low housing prices. Once they move here they wish things were more "updated" and "cultured" as in places they lived prior to relocating here. When they make suggestions the locals resent it because they enjoy things as they are (the neon lights hold many memories), and locals are concerned about being asked to pay more in taxes. Also, they are offended by newcomers wanting to make changes. How is this dilemma resolved?
NB Resident wrote on Jul 15, 2008 9:38 AM:
It's comments like that from RE Brittany that are the roots of the problems in North Bend...
RE brittany wrote on Jul 14, 2008 4:08 PM:
Well britt if you hate coos bay so much why dont you just go back to LCC!
Elaine wrote on Jul 11, 2008 8:51 AM:
Steve- I was referring to Ms. Mangans comment from the article. In addition, I may have to change my screen name as I see another Elaine posted in regard to this article. Not that this is a problem in regard to this topic but awhile back another poster was pretending to be me.
steve wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:04 PM:
Let me clarify Elaine, if you are talking to me. I am not in the least ashamed of Coos Bay. I love everything about it just the way it is. And I plan to return as soon as possible. My hope is to make a difference.......
Brittany wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:42 PM:
I have lived in Coos Bay all of my life and graduated from MHS in 2007. I moved to Eugene for school.I loved Eugene and the "new scene" but found myself coming home more and more as the year went on. When our nice weather comes around there is SO MUCH to do in the bay area. In Eugene--concerning the outdoors--there is not half as much to do. I absolutely love it here and loved growing up here. Although, the area could use some cleaning up. It wouldn't be hard because the area is so natually beautiful!
Support your local businesses.
Get out and do some yardwork.
Participate in a Beach cleanup.
Take initiative to clean up your street.
Be proactive in your area! :)
Support your local businesses.
Get out and do some yardwork.
Participate in a Beach cleanup.
Take initiative to clean up your street.
Be proactive in your area! :)
NB resident wrote on Jul 10, 2008 11:06 AM:
A few simple things the city can do to help clean up our area.
1. Offer free service at the dumps-like several other cities do. This is a depressed area with several low payiing jobs they use there money for food and let the trash build up.
2. Offer more free brush, appliance and trash pick up days free to residents this is an incentive to clean up there property.
3. Stop raising the cost of water-who in the hell can afford to water there lawn in this area.
I have worked very hard to keep my yard clean and looking pretty and the house next door sold and pigs live there, they live dirty and dont take care of there yard. There needs to be a city ordinance if you live in the city limits yards must be cut act.....no old abandoned cars in your yard or trash
1. Offer free service at the dumps-like several other cities do. This is a depressed area with several low payiing jobs they use there money for food and let the trash build up.
2. Offer more free brush, appliance and trash pick up days free to residents this is an incentive to clean up there property.
3. Stop raising the cost of water-who in the hell can afford to water there lawn in this area.
I have worked very hard to keep my yard clean and looking pretty and the house next door sold and pigs live there, they live dirty and dont take care of there yard. There needs to be a city ordinance if you live in the city limits yards must be cut act.....no old abandoned cars in your yard or trash
Portland Resident wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:30 AM:
Unrealized potential is what I would consider both Coos Bay and North Bend. I actually consider the entrance to North Bend quite dramatic with the McCullough Bridge views and Simpson Park. The entrance from the South into Coos Bay does need some attention, specifically the South Coos Bay area. Also both Coos Bay and North Bend have real downtowns that have amazing potential. Ever been to downtown Tigard or Beaverton? Cities 4 or 5 times the size of Coos Bay and North Bend, but with no downtown, no core, no heart. Be proud of your city and take advantage of the huge potential there. The persistent struggling economy plays a big factor, but things will turn around.
Grew up in NB thankfully Moved. wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:17 AM:
North Bender.
Not sure if you've driven across Oregon much but thanks to George W's "Healthy Forest Initiative" There isn't a whole lot of anything left to log, as far as the fishing goes, thanks to over fishing by major fisheries,global warming and pollution ...our reefs, fish and ocean are nearing a perilous point that they cannot return from. We need forward thinking in NB the "lets go back to the good old days" approach isn't flying in the White House and it sure won't fly anymore in NB. Good luck guys.
Not sure if you've driven across Oregon much but thanks to George W's "Healthy Forest Initiative" There isn't a whole lot of anything left to log, as far as the fishing goes, thanks to over fishing by major fisheries,global warming and pollution ...our reefs, fish and ocean are nearing a perilous point that they cannot return from. We need forward thinking in NB the "lets go back to the good old days" approach isn't flying in the White House and it sure won't fly anymore in NB. Good luck guys.
Dan Packard wrote on Jul 10, 2008 8:26 AM:
We line in a stunningly beautiful area. To get people to slow down, rather than quickly pass thru on highway 101, here are a few things local governments can do:
1) Extend the Coos Bay boardwalk northward all the way to California street in North Bend. It's an incredible bay view while walking or bicycling.
2) Explore incentives to stimulate housing and businesses along this corridor (look at Florence's old downtown and new condominiums on the east waterfront).
3) Re-install the center tree strip originally built by city founders along Sherman avenue. Return Sherman to two-way traffic flow. Get rid of the god-awful auto-centric one-way streets.
4) Patronize amazing local businesses. For example, buy coffee at Café Sozo rather than Dutch brothers; get lunch at Café Mediterranean rather than Taco Bell; pick up groceries at Coos Head foods rather than Safeway, etc…
Coos Bay/North Bend has the geography and climate that people across America would drool for. Contact your local governments. Get involved. Ask what we can do to transform this scenic region into one that is livable for both locals and tourists.
1) Extend the Coos Bay boardwalk northward all the way to California street in North Bend. It's an incredible bay view while walking or bicycling.
2) Explore incentives to stimulate housing and businesses along this corridor (look at Florence's old downtown and new condominiums on the east waterfront).
3) Re-install the center tree strip originally built by city founders along Sherman avenue. Return Sherman to two-way traffic flow. Get rid of the god-awful auto-centric one-way streets.
4) Patronize amazing local businesses. For example, buy coffee at Café Sozo rather than Dutch brothers; get lunch at Café Mediterranean rather than Taco Bell; pick up groceries at Coos Head foods rather than Safeway, etc…
Coos Bay/North Bend has the geography and climate that people across America would drool for. Contact your local governments. Get involved. Ask what we can do to transform this scenic region into one that is livable for both locals and tourists.
NorthBay wrote on Jul 10, 2008 8:04 AM:
I read complaints that people don't have jobs and can't afford to spruce things up. You don't have to be rich to get out and clean up your yard! If you aren't working what the heck do you do all day anyway? Put down the TV remote and fire up the lawnmower.
Elaine wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:51 AM:
I'm not understanding how someone will move here and then say they are ashamed of the area. It sounds like a person who once married tries to change their spouse.
Steve wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:40 AM:
I lived in Coos Bay in the early 80's when I graduated from college. I was offered a temp job that barely paid the rent. It was a rough town then but had many businesses, ships loaded with chips that were headed overseas. When I in town the first day I was immediately drawn to the area. Yes there was poverty then as now, but it was not a commercialized town, it was good working people living their lives. Regardless of all the bad opinions on this board, I plan to return in a few years to live out my years in the bay area. I did not spend enough time there. The south coast has always had a special place in my heart and Ive yearned for 20 years to return. I will be back and hope to make a difference when I do. Im not a rich retiree, just middle class who knows a great area when I see it. Seems many people in the area are their own worst enemy. Couny your blessings!
Native of Coos Bay wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:26 AM:
Part 2: What you can expect is that if you provide free disposal once a month to city residents, they will work to clean up the debris and overgrowth in their yards... and if you organize work parties to assist the elderly with their house and yard maintenance, things will look better and you will promote a sense of community that is needed here. As for the writer of the article... you live in a $900K home? I would have to assume you are not a native of the area and if you want a shiny tourist attraction town, move to Big Sur or Malibu... nothing is more annoying than some rich californian outsider coming in and trying to dictate how the small, poor community should look better for them. Perhaps Ashland would be a better choice for YOU as well.
Native of Coos Bay wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:26 AM:
I was born and raised in Coos Bay/North Bend, and go back to visit as often as I can. The bay area is a depressed area and has been since the 80's when fishing and logging were suddenly shut off or down to a trickle. Coos Bay has grown considerably since I left in the late 80's, with new businesses, a Walmart included. Times have changed, and unfortunately, the quaint little things that made the area great are items of the past that simply don't survive in the current age. Look at Pony Village Mall... it's outdated ... remember the Golden Store House? It's gone... I think that both cities need to work together to draw new industry that will provide new jobs for the area. You can't expect people living paycheck to paycheck (or unemployment check, as it were) to have spiffy shiny homes and yards.
Marilyn wrote on Jul 9, 2008 10:44 PM:
I Agree with Mr E,I drive 101 into North Bend thru to south Coos Bay every day.101 is constantly riddled with trash from those tourists,that would complain about our wonderful area.If they don't like our beautiful small town USA keep on moving...We are not a plastic city we work for a living if we can find the money for a gallon of gas.The tourists don't seem to be having a problem with that....
Former Bulldog wrote on Jul 9, 2008 10:21 PM:
Nice work, Sylvia. It is nice to hear the power of your opinion, as well as others, stand for the community and plead for change. Thank you to Mr. Wetherall for really listening to our citizens.
The small handful of independent businesses (City Subs, Empire Cafe, the old Northwest Surf Shop) also need to be commended. It takes a lot of courage and risk to open up businesses such as these with the depressed economy in the bay area.
Maybe instead of, or in addition to a proposed ordinance, the city should start small scholarship funds to award to independent, small-business owners.
Those who present a legitimate business and marketing plan to the city for purpose of renovation will be encouraged through a small financial boost from the city.
Thank you again, Mangan, for voicing the concerns of the residents of the Bay Area, and reigniting passion in all of us to improve upon our hometown.
The small handful of independent businesses (City Subs, Empire Cafe, the old Northwest Surf Shop) also need to be commended. It takes a lot of courage and risk to open up businesses such as these with the depressed economy in the bay area.
Maybe instead of, or in addition to a proposed ordinance, the city should start small scholarship funds to award to independent, small-business owners.
Those who present a legitimate business and marketing plan to the city for purpose of renovation will be encouraged through a small financial boost from the city.
Thank you again, Mangan, for voicing the concerns of the residents of the Bay Area, and reigniting passion in all of us to improve upon our hometown.
NB Resident wrote on Jul 9, 2008 10:15 PM:
We moved here last year and really enjoy all the amenities that the coast has to offer but are ashamed of how the area looks. Right in between Bandon and Florence, two beautiful cities - we truly are the "pit" right in between. Something needs to be done.
CB lifer wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:31 PM:
And besides, we could do more if our economy was better, let us start fishing again, and logging, and quit protecting stupid animals over people! Before someone screams about that issue, I love my animals, and the wild one's as well, but people happen to be more important to me.
RICK wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:30 PM:
YEP,
SOMETHING DOES NEED TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS DUMPY AREA!THE HOUSES AROUND HERE LOOK LIKE CRACK HOUSES.I HAVE NEVER SEEN SO MANY HOUSES FALLING APART, HOUSES WITH JUNK IN THERE FRONT/BACK YARDS, AND ROOFS CAVING IN!.I SAY LET'S HAVE A HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION, THAT MAKES PEOPLE TAKE CARE OF THERE HOMES/PROPERTIES.
RICK
SOMETHING DOES NEED TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS DUMPY AREA!THE HOUSES AROUND HERE LOOK LIKE CRACK HOUSES.I HAVE NEVER SEEN SO MANY HOUSES FALLING APART, HOUSES WITH JUNK IN THERE FRONT/BACK YARDS, AND ROOFS CAVING IN!.I SAY LET'S HAVE A HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION, THAT MAKES PEOPLE TAKE CARE OF THERE HOMES/PROPERTIES.
RICK
CB lifer wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:28 PM:
Just like "Outta there", if you are not going to pitch in and help, or at least give some idea's on how to do it within a budget, move out. You can go live in some "pretty" place. I have lived here all my life, and quite frankly, every other city I have been in, has area's that need "spruced up". We are not exception. But people could get together and come up with idea's, and some could even do it themselves, but then, some just sit on their "haunches" and complain. I am glad that "Outta there" is outta here.
North Bender wrote on Jul 9, 2008 6:21 PM:
Folks... if you want North Bend to look better, get us BACK TO WORK! Open the woods for logging again (and put our forest fire fighters to happier work), open the Pacific for our fishing fleet again, and let us get back to making things in our mills and factories. We were regulated out of our traditional industries decades ago.
And, as for you newcomers and those who think tourists are the big salvation of the economy? Yeah, good luck in your new home. I understand Big Sur has a lot of vacancies presently.
And, as for you newcomers and those who think tourists are the big salvation of the economy? Yeah, good luck in your new home. I understand Big Sur has a lot of vacancies presently.
Resident wrote on Jul 9, 2008 6:20 PM:
Hey, how about if Mangan went and spent her days in the airport? She would be surrounded by beauty and taxpayer dollars wouldn't be wasted!
Ann wrote on Jul 9, 2008 5:50 PM:
I just moved back here last october after many years away and it looked like NB had been evacuated. It looked like that one building on the corner of virginia and sherman went through the war. I was pretty shocked that the dreary turned to ugly. Very depressing. I have faith that people will not stand for this and changes will be made. It will be fun to see them unfold.
Coos Resident wrote on Jul 9, 2008 5:31 PM:
Mr. E, you are just one more who wants to blame this community's problems on everyone else (retirees, out-of-staters, etc.) instead of facing what everyone else sees--lack of civic pride. I've been to third world countries that would not tolerate the dirty and ramshackle buildings and homes that you can find here. Being clean and neat doesn't cost much. Someone needs to take the lead and stop tolerating the decay. It doesn't take lots of money to cut brush, haul away old cars, or burn trash.
the truth wrote on Jul 9, 2008 4:56 PM:
I agree with Mrs. Mangan. Given the area's natural beauty it wouldn't be that hard to make a destination out of it. Unfortunately it seems like the residents are too stupid to realize their town is ugly and scares people away. I don't know if they will have much success unless they find a way to get rid of the trashy locals. To the whole rest of the state the Bay Area is considered a run-down crappy redneck town and a joke.
Its about time wrote on Jul 9, 2008 4:14 PM:
Finally someone has brought these concerns to the city council. We are not only talking about the "North Bend" sign, it's the run down shops that liter 101 from North Bend to Coos Bay. Nice work Mangan
NorthBendite wrote on Jul 9, 2008 4:03 PM:
YES, it's about time. Took someone to say "the king has no clothes" Please don't pass up this opportunity to spruce up our North Bend and make it the envy of the coast. Let's keep the fire under the city folks.
LYNDA wrote on Jul 9, 2008 4:01 PM:
I love it here!
Although Coos Bay and North Bend could really use some serious spiffing up, I hope that they just refurb the Welcome to North Bend sign rather than take it down. I have very fond memories of it from my childhood, have always liked it and would hate to see it go.
Poor Coos Bay had to take down its billboard (that I also loved when growing up) that said Welcome to Coos Bay, the World's Largest Lumber Port. I've missed it.
Although Coos Bay and North Bend could really use some serious spiffing up, I hope that they just refurb the Welcome to North Bend sign rather than take it down. I have very fond memories of it from my childhood, have always liked it and would hate to see it go.
Poor Coos Bay had to take down its billboard (that I also loved when growing up) that said Welcome to Coos Bay, the World's Largest Lumber Port. I've missed it.
ononomous wrote on Jul 9, 2008 3:41 PM:
I agree that the sign greeting you as you enter North Bend, from the north needs some updating or a face lift. I hope the signage doesn't disappear altogether as it holds many happy memories of my childhood when traveling at night with my parents...the bright lights in the dark were awesome, after miles of total darkness.
Yes, some of the houses are run down, but how are these people going to afford the stuff it takes to make them more appealing?
South of Coos Bay is just plain dog butt ugly, in the Bunker Hill area, especially that old run down motel up on the hill!
It would be nice to see some beautification take place on both ends.
Yes, some of the houses are run down, but how are these people going to afford the stuff it takes to make them more appealing?
South of Coos Bay is just plain dog butt ugly, in the Bunker Hill area, especially that old run down motel up on the hill!
It would be nice to see some beautification take place on both ends.
TOO MUCH TO DO... wrote on Jul 9, 2008 3:38 PM:
From my view- if you knocked down every house, storefront,or school that needs to be demolished, got rid of all the moldy, rusty,sub standard trailers this place might be kinda decent. But then problem # 2 arises. Where do you put all the people who live in those run down places?
There is no way North Bend or Coos Bay will ever be beautified - the area has been too financially depressed for too long and let itself go beyond repair....
There is no way North Bend or Coos Bay will ever be beautified - the area has been too financially depressed for too long and let itself go beyond repair....
Ex North Bender wrote on Jul 9, 2008 3:09 PM:
Boy if this isn't the truth. North Bend has went so far downhill that I am ashamed to say I lived there all my life until now. They talk about building a boardwalk, that is in the windy-est part of town, except for PV. Nobody wants to walk on a boardwalk that has wind so strong it will blow them into the bay. Get real, what you need is some sprucing up of homes and businesses that are already there. Completely redo Sherman Avenue. Starting with the NB Hotel, get it painted now. And then paint every home on Sherman Ave. coming into town and mow the lawns. It's almost funny to tourists how bad North Bend looks, AND also Coos Bay coming in from the South. We are starting to look more like the poor slums of big cities more and more every day. If people don't think enough of their homes and yards,the city needs to do the job for them and send them a bill. People need to take pride in their homes and yards, and take care of them.
North Bend Newcomer wrote on Jul 9, 2008 2:38 PM:
Oh, poor Queen Sylvia! Her friends didn't want to move here! And now the cities of North Bend and Coos Bay are supposed to rush out and clean up their cities so that a tragedy like this can't happen again!
Has Sylvia ever offered to help beautify the cities? Has she organized any work parties for clean-up efforts, paint crews, garbage collecting, etc?
No? Then how can she complain so loudly and sound so righteous?
Okay, let's tell it like it is, Sylvia. You live in a house that, according to the Coos County Assessor's office (and it's a public access website, by the way) is worth almost $900,000. I guess you just like nice things, but don't expect somebody else to be your footman and do your bidding.
Maybe your friends didn't move here because they just didn't want to live near YOU.
Has Sylvia ever offered to help beautify the cities? Has she organized any work parties for clean-up efforts, paint crews, garbage collecting, etc?
No? Then how can she complain so loudly and sound so righteous?
Okay, let's tell it like it is, Sylvia. You live in a house that, according to the Coos County Assessor's office (and it's a public access website, by the way) is worth almost $900,000. I guess you just like nice things, but don't expect somebody else to be your footman and do your bidding.
Maybe your friends didn't move here because they just didn't want to live near YOU.
just me wrote on Jul 9, 2008 2:35 PM:
i was raised in north bend for many years.i was back for a funeral and sad to sad nothing ever changes.that old sign must go on the north side though.but on the other hand, no matter how bad it looks, its still gods country in my eyes and heart..
Ralph wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:49 PM:
To add to my previous post. Offer free access to the garbage dump like almost every other county in Oregon. That might help cut down on the furniture and appliances dumped on the side of the roads. $40 to take a load of trash to the dump is a lot of money for some people, that is why it stays in their yards.
Gene wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:47 PM:
If you think it looks bad now, you should have seen it about 10 years ago. This area is wonderful but, it is poor and that brings in the lower levels of citizens without any pride. Our wonderful elected officials can't figure out how to put two small towns together to get one that is big enough to mean something. Any town under 25,000 is not considered for much of anything by outside interests.
Ralph wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:44 PM:
I have said it before. People would be more willing to clean up if they were offered an incentive. Clean up your trash and maintain your house = lower property tax. Live in a dump and have trash everywhere = increased property tax. It's not rocket science. It's been done elsewhere and it works.
Elaine wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:34 PM:
I certainly agree with "Mr. E."....There are very few decent paying jobs in the Coos Bay-North Bend area. Yet, when one checks out the prices that Real Estate outfits put on homes for sale, who has that kind of money?! The entire Bay Area is in a slump, yet the asking price for a non-descript place starts at an average of $399,000! HELLO...are they crazy? Just check the classified section, these prices are directed at rich retirees form out of the area, not the local families.
Coos Bay/North Bend will end up being like Brookings and Gold Beach....the residents who grew up here won't be able to afford housing, and will have to leave the area to survive. Not good! WAKE UP!!!!! The handwriting is on the wall.
Coos Bay/North Bend will end up being like Brookings and Gold Beach....the residents who grew up here won't be able to afford housing, and will have to leave the area to survive. Not good! WAKE UP!!!!! The handwriting is on the wall.
Brian wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:16 PM:
As usual, our Politicians and bureaucrats want to look at "ordinances" and be careful of the rights of people. Get real! Just clean up what the "local gov't actually already owns" Tear down the welcome sign, hang some plants and vote the incumbents out of office. All this probably requires no study or great debate at all....
Then, I can get on with making the place look a lot better all by myself.
Then, I can get on with making the place look a lot better all by myself.
Donald wrote on Jul 9, 2008 1:11 PM:
We went to Lincoln City yesterday and spent the day seeing the sights there and in Newport, and made some side trips on the way back South to Coos. It was right at 9:30PM when we got back. Sadly, as we came off the bridge, we both noted the old sign: "Welcome to North Bend" (in its decades long un-matching neon lettering)and actually had a short conversatrion about how sad it looked. It is the very first thing you notice, and it says, here I am, I am old, tattered, and unable to even have a modern look. I am neon, and went out with the '50s. When my letters wink out, they are replaces with as close of a color as they can find, but alas, they never match. I'm just old and uncared for. I once went weeks with only some of the letters lit.
Then we talked about the classy sign that welcomes people to Coos Bay. Simple, good looking, and spiffy/new looking.
Wouldn't it be better to just take the poor thing down, so at least there would be no eye-sore welcome?
Then we talked about the classy sign that welcomes people to Coos Bay. Simple, good looking, and spiffy/new looking.
Wouldn't it be better to just take the poor thing down, so at least there would be no eye-sore welcome?
outta there wrote on Jul 9, 2008 12:37 PM:
You know, I have to say, it's about time. When I moved from California in 2005, I was shocked at how delapitated the buildings and the area was. As a matter of fact, I cried my eyes out at how ugly North Bend was. I have recently moved out of the area with my family. There are so many areas that need to be rehabbed. Where in the world would the powers that be start? Even a face lift isn't going to help the local economy. Bangor Elementary needs to be cleaned up too. There are plenty of places to begin... good luck!
Long Time NB resident wrote on Jul 9, 2008 12:28 PM:
I agree that North Bend really needs a makeover. It is not very welcoming to tourists . The Sign coming into North Bend is very outdated and Some of the Business's and houses need repainted or tore down. Especially that ugly old house across the street from Ashworths that is for sale.
former coos resident wrote on Jul 9, 2008 11:59 AM:
So glad to see that something could be done to make the entrances to North Bend more appealing! I have travelled through there for years on my way to Coquille, and always thought something should be done. When Coos Bay started hanging the beautiful baskets it was very noticeable. Good luck City of North Bend!
Mr E wrote on Jul 9, 2008 11:17 AM:
So, are the cities going to take care of, as Mangan put it, the imited culture, limited transportation services, questionable shopping and restaurants, and apparent economic disaster? No, they're going to force people to spend money on their yards/homes. Band-aids don't work on severed limbs...
That being said... I'm happy in one sense. We've had enough visitors helping to destroy this town (you can thank a lot of our current economic woes on the poorly-conceived efforts by local "leaders" to cater exclusively toward tourists or transplanted residents/retirees... you don't see family wage jobs in this community anymore, because the few businesses that open here are restaurants or tourist-oriented... new homes built here certainly aren't for the lower/middle class of this area... they're for the middle/upper class of people from out of state).
That being said... I'm happy in one sense. We've had enough visitors helping to destroy this town (you can thank a lot of our current economic woes on the poorly-conceived efforts by local "leaders" to cater exclusively toward tourists or transplanted residents/retirees... you don't see family wage jobs in this community anymore, because the few businesses that open here are restaurants or tourist-oriented... new homes built here certainly aren't for the lower/middle class of this area... they're for the middle/upper class of people from out of state).
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