Mostly notes for MDD

[epiphyta]

Yesterday the Madison Diner, the beloved 1948 Fodero Dining Car at the bottom of our hill, announced that they are closing indefinitely due to staffing and supply issues. The menu selections had steadily reduced until there were only three lunch offerings and no dinner service at all; the hours shortened. I am heartbroken: it was where we got

Comments

[pondhopper]

So the low-income housing will now become a high-income housing site (she asks cynically)?
:(

Not much good news related to the ferries, is there?
:(
I'm sorry the diner had to close.

[epiphyta]

I had to poke the Review site, but the current plan is for 82 residential units (one- and two-bedroom apartments) with a shared clubhouse and laundry; 13 units will be managed by Housing Resources Bainbridge and be offered as affordable housing, with the folks who were moved out of 550 Madison to get first pick. The rest will be offered at market value.

82 households getting packed into those two lots, with the Tot Lot playground immediately north of it. :( Construction is allegedly starting spring of next year, but I don't think they've completed the permitting process, so who knows?

At this point we are seriously having to consider driving over for the concert on the 23rd, as there's a reasonable chance we will have to drive around/up to Edmonds and try to get over from there.

I walked past on my way to get some milk; all the windows are papered over.

[kazzy_cee]

What is the poilation of the island? (I’m not good at geography in your area if the world). It’s almost like they are slowly trying to get everyone to leave ….??!!

[epiphyta]

That's perfectly okay! The population of Bainbridge Island as of the end of 2020 was 24,825 on 65 square miles. It's mostly concentrated in the four "big" towns - Winslow (where I live), Rolling Bay (where we lived when we first moved to the island), Lynwood and Island Center - to try and keep as much of the land forested as possible.

And most people seem fine with others coming if they can afford property/aren't competing for space on the ferry. Which doesn't include most of the folks who actually work in the shops, hence nearly all the businesses hiring/reducing opening hours. *sighs*

[cairistiona7]

Oh, that's sad, the diner closing. We've not had any of our favorites actually close (yet), though some have cut back hours or menu items or sizes. Not that it compares in scope and intensity, but some of the shortages do make me think of WWII and all the shortages of that era. We at least aren't looking at ration coupon books just yet!

All these changes to your island leave me feeling sad, but then I suppose it will make leaving to new digs in a new town a bit easier. :/

[epiphyta]

I do remember saying to curiouswombat that if we had to do 1918 cosplay, I wasn't wearing a corset. And if we are now taking a crack at early '40s, I'm sure as heck NOT donning a housedress! (Though to my enormous glee, a friend in the Plains states has suddenly taken a fancy to them and has been finding treasures, then posting photos of herself wearing them, complete with updos and proper lipstick.)

And I've just found this iteration of an Edwardian travelling suit, and why, yes, I would in fact wear that. I like a good swoopy skirt

[curiouswombat]

That does look comfortable.

I am just considering the cost of our heating gas, and its environmental impact, and thinking that my nicely boned corsets would be a good way to keep my back warm! Although it seems a shame to hide my beautiful blue one - but answering the door in it otherwise might shock the postman!

[epiphyta]

I think if I were to show the pattern to Mutual Friend JV, she would think her dreams of finally getting me into full Edwardian Goth rig were about to be answered!

*giggling madly at the thought of the postman's surprise* It is unseasonably cool here today, and sadly my choice of warmers is rather prosaic: a flannel shirt of P.'s that I have shamelessly appropriated (it was a gift, and he'll never wear it), thick socks and my wool house boots, and a second mug of tea. The sun has broken through the clouds at last, though I have just been out to fetch the post and it's not doing a thing to actually warm us!

[curiouswombat]

It is sad reading of the changes on your island - the pandemic has a lot to answer for, but the urge to 'gentrify' and become a more exclusive commuter town is not only sad, but very annoying and such a shame for the whole community which is being lost.

[epiphyta]

I am sad for P. and I, but recognise that it is far worse for those who retired on a fixed income and are being crowded out by increases in property taxes/lack of access to health care. We're still (relatively) young and in reasonably good health, we can make another home. But oh, I've loved this one!