| The Anderson Island Effect In January 2004, Pierce County extended the operating hours of the ferry Christine Anderson to Anderson Island. Liz Galentine {Anderson Island Citizens Advisory Committee} states: “There was one public meeting held, no vote, but a survey was conducted. What we have observed is many times issues/meetings have occurred and the island learns of them afterwards.” Liz Galentine and Debbie Lowe describe how Anderson Island has been effected by the three additional runs per day.
No one lives on an island by accident or happenstance. It is a deliberate choice. No one chooses to move to an Island for reasons such as proximity to workplace or access to entertainment options such as restaurants, theater, nightlife, etc. Although these reasons are often the basis for relocation to particular cities or communities, they are certainly not applicable to the decision to relocate to an island. The vast majority of islanders choose their island homes in an effort to leave behind the hectic lifestyle found in highly populated areas. They generally seek to escape traffic, air and noise pollution, people congestion in public places, and increasing crime. Once they have adopted the island lifestyle, they often mention the strong feeling of community and connectedness they have found on the island. Having lived on Anderson Island for the past 7 years, I've never before witnessed such a dramatic change in the island as I have during the past year when Pierce County added a later ferry run on weekdays. Just three additional run per day has substantially affected our small island. I am not an opponent nor a proponent of additional ferry runs. It is important however, to recognize that any change in the accessibility to the island, will definitely bring change to the general flavor of the island. On the positive side, increased accessibility strongly impacts real estate values and sales, and brings a more diverse group of new residents to the community, some of whom might offer significant contributions to the welfare and development of the island.
On the other side of the coin, increased accessibility often promotes increases in criminal activities, in particular property crimes and illegal drug operations. The inevitable increase in housing construction results in loss of green spaces and natural areas for enjoyment. On a more serious note, is the effect the increase in population has on the island's aquifer. We, as island residents, must realize that in most cases we do not possess an unlimited source of water, and should remain cognizant of the need to protect our supply.
One of the most noticeable effects will be readily observed in the decreased accessibility to the ferry, due to the surge in the number of vehicles. Greater patience and planning will be primary requirements, and it will be just a matter of time before the need for a larger ferry will be too great to ignore. As with all matters on an island, there are always multiple opinions, usually strongly held and expressed. Regardless of which side of the issue you may find yourself, the most important factor is to maintain a realistic outlook. Denial will result in lack of adequate preparation and will promote a less than effective response to the inevitable changes to the community. It is very simple....increased accessibility to the island will most certainly generate radical change to your island. For better or worse, depending on your viewpoint. - Debbie Lowe Chair,
Anderson Island Citizens' Advisory Board |
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Anderson Island Southern most island in the Puget Sound, south of Tacoma. 800-900 year-round residents. More than 2,500 during the summer months with seasonal and weekenders. Golf course, two marinas, two fresh water lakes (with bass and trout), tennis courts, parks, a two room schoolhouse (K - 5), five churches, and numerous bed and breakfasts. Car and driver cash fare is $12.50/$15 peak season. Adult walk-on fare is $3.80. Originally called Settlers' Island and to some, Wallace Island (after Leander Wallace, who was shot in a ruckus at Fort Steilacoom). Given a warm reception and assistance by Mr. Anderson and Captain McNeil at Fort Nisqually, Commander Wilkes of the U.S. Expedition renamed the two nearby islands. Anderson's first industry was the sale of cordwood to the wood-burning steamers. |
Notable changes following extention of the ferry schedule: Objective Changes:
Subjective Changes: The objective changes we can provide hard data to support, and the subjective are observations. The AICAB is appointed by the Pierce County Executive, and approved by the Pierce County Council. The AICAB was formed in September 2004 and meets quarterly. This board was formed so Anderson Island would have one voice to the County for issues affecting the island. According to our by-laws:
- Liz Galentine, Anderson Island |
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2003 Pierce County Ferry Study [792k PDF] Anderson Island Ferry Web Site
Completion of a new Anderson Island ferry, Steilacoom II, is expected in September 2006. The 54-car, 300-passenger ferry vessel will cost $11,200,000. |
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[6.26.5] |
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