Where I live, I look outside and see what I would describe as a fairy-tale castle scene. From the lush, plentiful trees, to the abundance of nature that buzzes around, it is a fantasy land – one that I would choose to live in if I could choose nearly any place in the world.
But there, on the outskirts of my beautiful view, I see the beginnings of what looks like more apartments. Yes, they are going to chop out yet more of the beautiful scenery on the Westside that we enjoy every day and replace it with apartments, concrete, and a treeless view.
Now, people move to Bend, or stay in Bend, because we enjoy the certain brand of aesthetic appeal that they get to enjoy nearly everywhere they go. They love to look out their windows in the morning and see such rich nature. They love driving by it when they go to a store, or to visit a friend. They love walking through it from time to time. But soon it will be gone. Soon they will be staring at white, or blue, or brown walls, cars, and cement. Honestly, I don’t think the Westside would be the Westside without all of the trees that we have allowed to grow. There is a certain unique appeal to feeling like we are basically still in nature.
I think that the building of these apartments would be a great loss to the community. Maybe it would be a financial gain for one person or one small group of people, but for the ENTIRE rest of the community, it would be a cruel and unwise disservice. I urge you to reconsider all of your ambitious building projects on the Westside. If not for all of the people who would lose out on the beauty of their daily lives, then for Bend, and how it is important to keep it looking like a fairy-tale land.
Rebekka Manning
This article appears in Jan 24-30, 2008.
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to the Eastside?
I’m sure NIMBYs would love that!
I’m guessing someone had this exact sentiment when your house was being built.
No room for working people in this westside fairy tale, evidently. We rent a modest, older house on the westside. Bend’s rental market still provides some affordable housing for those of us who can’t afford to buy or who prefer not to buy. More rental units are needed, though, and that includes more apartments, on the westside as well as the eastside. Apartments provide affordable housing and they utilize the land and space in a much more efficient, community-minded manner than all the gigantic single-family houses that have been built the past few years. I appreciate a nice view as much as the next person. But affordable housing will benefit the ENTIRE community much more than any individual homeowner’s view.
Oh my god Becky. The villagers are storming the castle. They are bearing torches and pitch forks. Raise the draw bridge, archers to your stations, man the hot tar cauldrons?!
Michael, do you really think Rebekka the Fairy Princess gives a rip about affordable housing for the peasants?
HBM…. do you really think that Rebekka cares about the people’s view her home blocks? Maybe it’s old enough it doesnt matter. Maybe its new and she’s the scourge of the neighborhood. I dont really care. I’ve learned long ago that it really doesnt matter because there’s nothing you can do, and the almighty dollar rules. People will also perpetually complain about what they believe is a “problem”. Something very similar to the “concern” of all the Californians moving here in the late 80’s, early 90’s. Did our concerns matter then?
Perhaps a better question would be, how long has Ms. Manning lived in central oregon? I believe that is a better gauge of your right to bitch about the growth of the area. We didnt change just for you, dear. It’s time you realized that all we wanted was your money. you have you postage stamp sized piece of property, and anything beyond that, you have no right to.
the only Mannings I see in DIAL (and in Bend) are on Lodgepole Drive (blt 2003), Roanoke Ave (blt 1926) and Alderwood Circle (blt 2004).
Perhaps the writer is simply trying to get things stirred up? (Although I admit there are plenty of other options… home is in someone else’s name, etc. Just a thought.)
The only Mannings I see in DIAL (and in Bend)are in places built in 1926, 2003 and 2004. I might have missed one. And not a Rebekka to be found. Couldn’t this just be someone pulling our chain?
There are still cheap little beach-front apartments with a Thomas Kincaid view of the river and shops, dam… brewery. And eagles.
Rentals are creeping up.
Fourth of Seven Generations.
Could it be that Rebekka is just saying that the westside is beautiful and once again how sad that more trees and nature have to be removed? The east side would be a better area for homes, appartment and etc. By the way I’ve lived here for most of my 42 years and I know that Rebekka has been born and raised here. Quess what! She doesn’t own a nice big home on the west side, so sorry to blow all of your minds. She rents a 2 bedroom appartment which is older and overpriced because they have to live close to work. Yes, growth we can’t stop and I have always welcomed it. It’s a shame that it can’t take place where the land isn’t as pretty. P.S. I don’t live on the westside!!!!
Hey Noelle, I own one of the first 20 homes built in Bend, it is on the east side, and it is dammed pretty. I lived on Florida street while in college so I know dammed well from where I speak. I sold it and kept the east side place. What you know about pretty is from Madison Avenue and what they know of pretty is the easiest way to part you from your money
Hi Barney, I’m not saying the east side isn’t pretty but it does have more open space, infact that’s where I live and enjoy it much more than any thing on the westside. But the westside does have a lot of old growth and is being taken down. I also know that no one will change that. We all need places to live. I lived on Portland while going to college maybe that’s why I’ll never live on the westside I don’t like sliding down hills!!! Have a great day
Wow, all so opinionated. I just really like my trees. Look at it from a hippy point of view.
Love, Rebekka Manning
Most of the trees within Bend have grown since Bend was founded. You find a pine tree older than 80 years within the city limits you let me know. I have pines nearly 4 feet in diameter but they were planted 80 years ago. They are just trees and will occur with or without you. I plant about 300 annually.
Wow, Barney, that’s so great! Good for you! Thank you for adding to the world.
-Rebekka Manning