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Boat center isn't exactly breaking ground
By Alexander Rich, Staff Writer
Friday, November 06, 2009 | No comments posted.
Saturday’s boat building center groundbreaking on the Empire waterfront will be atypical for several reasons. The most obvious is there’s already a building there. In fact, workers already have spent time improving the facility since the city signed a lease in August to the property at the west end of Newmark Avenue.
But while there technically isn’t any ground to break, the city is inviting people to come out at 11 a.m. anyway.
The purpose of the event isn’t so much to kick-start the project, but to let people know progress is being made, said Joyce Jansen, the city’s economic and community development manager.
The City Council has appointed a seven-member board, which has established bylaws, a mission statement and filed an application for nonprofit status. A spokesman in the Secretary of State’s office said the Coos Bay Boat Building Center received its registration Tuesday. Before the group can accept tax-free donations, it must file an application with the IRS, which could take up to three months, said Jerry Miller, the board’s secretary.
The board has developed a schedule of events, with classes on maritime lore and lectures starting in January, said vice-chairman Tom Leahy. It’s also amassed a list of about 75 volunteers who have expressed an interest in helping with the project.
In the meantime, the board plans to discuss funding with the city’s urban renewal agency, which has offered to help pay for improvements to the building. The agency already has approved an $8,000 contract to pay a consultant, Dick Wagner of Seattle, who is sharing his insight and experience from starting a similar operation.
Wagner, members of the board and city council will be among those who gather for Saturday’s ceremony. The city will provide shelter in case it rains. Director Ted Chism will bring a wooden boat to provide an example of what could be built in a class offered at the center.
Over the next few months, the board will figure how to involve volunteers.
“It’s everybody’s boat center. We don’t want to leave anybody out,” Leahy said.
But while there technically isn’t any ground to break, the city is inviting people to come out at 11 a.m. anyway.
The purpose of the event isn’t so much to kick-start the project, but to let people know progress is being made, said Joyce Jansen, the city’s economic and community development manager.
The City Council has appointed a seven-member board, which has established bylaws, a mission statement and filed an application for nonprofit status. A spokesman in the Secretary of State’s office said the Coos Bay Boat Building Center received its registration Tuesday. Before the group can accept tax-free donations, it must file an application with the IRS, which could take up to three months, said Jerry Miller, the board’s secretary.
The board has developed a schedule of events, with classes on maritime lore and lectures starting in January, said vice-chairman Tom Leahy. It’s also amassed a list of about 75 volunteers who have expressed an interest in helping with the project.
In the meantime, the board plans to discuss funding with the city’s urban renewal agency, which has offered to help pay for improvements to the building. The agency already has approved an $8,000 contract to pay a consultant, Dick Wagner of Seattle, who is sharing his insight and experience from starting a similar operation.
Wagner, members of the board and city council will be among those who gather for Saturday’s ceremony. The city will provide shelter in case it rains. Director Ted Chism will bring a wooden boat to provide an example of what could be built in a class offered at the center.
Over the next few months, the board will figure how to involve volunteers.
“It’s everybody’s boat center. We don’t want to leave anybody out,” Leahy said.
Want to go?
What: The city of Coos Bay will hold a groundbreaking for the Coos Bay Boat Building Center.
Where: 101 Newmark Ave., at the west end of Empire.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday.
What about weather? The city will have a tent to provide some protection against rain.
Questions? Call Jim Berg 269-1601.
What: The city of Coos Bay will hold a groundbreaking for the Coos Bay Boat Building Center.
Where: 101 Newmark Ave., at the west end of Empire.
When: 11 a.m. Saturday.
What about weather? The city will have a tent to provide some protection against rain.
Questions? Call Jim Berg 269-1601.
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