Almost there.....

Those that live in the Yakima Valley know that, since the Boise Cascade Mill site has been closed down (more or less), it's been both an eyesore and a potential site for future development both by the current owners and the City of Yakima. Now, there has been a recent fire there. Or, for those that live here in the Yakima Valley, there's been ANOTHER fire there. Another building caught fire and it is under investigation. Now, a month and a half ago, there was a huge fire there. It was determined to be arson. That was July 21st of this year. Then, on September 26th of 2009, a much bigger fire. Now, with each progressive fire, they seemingly have been smaller. But, more of the land is being cleared too, for future development. Now, let me be clear. I'm not in any way pointing the finger at the City of Yakima or the owners of the property setting the fires. Again, I'm not saying they're responsible in ANY way. But gosh, it certain does work in their favor to have the land cleared for development, doesn't it? The only real tragedy here is that fire fighter's lives are being put in harm's way and their lives are being put on the line for this. Not to mention the danger to the surrounding neighborhoods.

The owners were fined, at one point, for the first fire on 9/26 I believe. There was inadequate water fire safety (fire sprinklers) present. Allegedly, the Yakima Bears are wanting to put a new stadium there. There has been talk of a water park. It would be conveniently located as the freeway (I-82) is right there. The Bears are hinting that if they don't get their new stadium, gosh, they just may not be able to stick around. Now, I REALLY hate sports teams that blackmail taxpayers. The Mariner's did it (but at the time, they had a winning team) when they demanded their own stadium. The Seahawks did it (and they didn't really even have a winning team at the time) and now, the Bears are doing it. As I understand it, they're having a good season right now. It started out rough from what I understand, but they seemed to have turned it around. It is a good, family oriented event, but, the ticket prices are up there. Which is why I don't go. While I would hate to see the Bears go, I don't respond well to blackmail. Build us a new stadium, or we can't promise we'll stay in Yakima. Ok. Go. See ya!

But gosh, thank goodness the proposed land where the stadium would go (Boise Cascade Mill site) is being cleared away systematically. Brings the possibility of a new stadium that much closer, right. Now, just gotta find a way to swindle, oh-I mean find-the financial resources from taxpayer money to pay for it. This, at a time when public safety is on the chopping block due to budget cuts from the city's budget. But hey, let's consider a new stadium! Way to go Yakima, ya got your priorities straight. Now, if only the rest of that land could mysteriously be cleared away.....Of course, though, not at the hands of the city or the owners of the property. You know, spontaneous combustion, arson, or, a welder's torch which apparently was the cause of this most recent fire. The real question is not what's left to burn down, but, how much longer will it take before the property is ready for development?