As discussed at the community meeting regarding efforts to save the Charlestown Cafe and stop the site from being turned into Petco’s new location or any other “big box” development, plans are now in place for a picketing demonstration. According to the announcement just posted on the Our Town West Seattle Yahoo! group, it’ll happen 11 am-2 pm June 30, along California, in front of the restaurant.
Oh, Goody… A protest. Somehow I am sure this is all the fault of Bush, Rove, et al.
Seriously, though. I would rather have Petco at the site of Websters than it’s current location in the Junction.
What I fail to understand is why Charlestown Cafe never bought their own space. As successful as they have been, they should have been able to get out of a lease/rent situation.
I am sure the property owner would be happy to sell the building to the protestors if they have the money. Otherwise, I suppose he can do as he wishes with the property.
Somehow I am sure this is all the fault of Bush, Rove, et al.
Eric, how many times are you going to use this line? I thought it was liberals who were supposed to be the knee-jerks.
I know I’m in the minority here, but I would also rather see Petco move within West Seattle than lose them altogether.
I can’t help but wonder how strong loyality to the Charleston Cafe would be if Trader Joe’s was interested in the space? If this were the case, I’d volunteer to throw in a few bucks toward demolition myself.
I want Charlestown Cafe to stay without a doubt, but (like I always say) protests are a waste of time. I believe that the online tactics and communicating with all entities via phone and mail that Mr. Wainright (sp?) and the owner of CC are dead on and I support them.
As for Petco, I could really care less if they left WS for good. I was in there tonight and it really is a dump with no character…the employees are as engaging as roadkill. I use it only as a free zoo to burn a few calories after I eat at Elliot Bay.
I couldn’t agree with you more House :)
As for Petco — so true. Not only does the place lack character/engaging employees but all of their products are overpriced as well. While it’s a bit of a drive/bus ride for some, I recommend PetsMart in Tukwila — they offer a better selection and more reasonable prices to boot.
Always interesting comments…
Actually, I’m totally behind the protest, as well as the continued online communications and work towards connecting with all the project stakeholders.
What does a protest do?
It raises awareness of people in the community and allows many folks who have a lot of emotion tied up in this thing to voice their opinions. If you want to influence change, you need to push on ALL fronts – including both the one-on-one “behind the scenes” conversations AND the big shows of community support.
No one expects this thing to completely change direction because of some riled up neighbors carrying picket signs, but its an important part of the collection of things that can create positive change.
Mark
Petco is a joke no matter what location. I’ve seen narcoleptic librarians with more motor skills than their employees. We go to Next to Nature in the junction. Great staff, well informed.
Scott
Jan, I am from West Seattle since birth, 64 years, Thank you.
And I totally and completely agree with Eric. With their prices, Charlestown has made some money off of West Seattle. And, because they did have a lease, they knew it was going to end, and when.
But, rather than negotiate with the landlord (the OWNER of the property), he has chosen to cry, whine and declare foul.
Garbage, he could have found a new location, renegotiated, paid the owners asking price, or decided to retire.
And, I also hope that PETCO doesn”t go into that space. Personally, I’m hoping for a Casino, Pay Day Loan operation, Bar (with live music), Oil Change boutique, Gas Station, Condo’s (Preferred), Sewage Transfer station.
Anything that will make it fit more into that particular part of West Seattle. Oh, if only brothels and Adult entertainment were allowed!
Think, before you bitch too much.
wow….I didn’t realize I was “bitching”. I simply asked a question. Mr. Mellum at Charlestown Cafe understands that he will be leaving that location barring any last minute things. It’s totally up to the owner to do as he will with the property. The protest isn’t about keeping the C. Cafe there (although some think that would be nice). It’s about keeping “big box” ugly stores out.
Now…get your knickers out of the knot they’re in and relax :)
“Anything that will make it fit more into that particular part of West Seattle” I don’t understand what you mean…is that derogatory? or just a general statement…I think it’s a pretty nice area…you don’t?
“Eric…you’re not originally form West Seattle, are you? just curious
yep…. born and raised. lived in North Admiral for 12 years, Gatewood for 10, Morgan Junction for 2 and the Junction for 3.
As a matter of fact, I worked at Webster’s when they were located up by Rite Aid (Pay-N-Save). Even played with Ron and Catherine’s kid when I was young.
So, Jan…. what’s your point?
Eric, how many times are you going to use this line? I thought it was liberals who were supposed to be the knee-jerks.
yeah… sorry… something about protests that gets me all hot and bothered. Life ain’t fair, people!
Sorry Jan,
But I am a bitchy old man. With all of the changes in the West Seattle over the last 40 years, I find all of them to be better.
Now, you can actually eat good food in West Seattle, and not have to go downtown to find a restaurant that serves something besides “american”, or Chinese.
In the late 50’s, early to mid-60’s, you had few choices here. 3 Chinese: now the Circa, Prudential Real Estate, and Luck Toy. A few “American”; Benbow Inn, The Beach Broiler, and ???.
Now, you can’t go 2 blocks on California without running into at least 1 restaurant (and 2 stoplights), or more. With density, comes services, and food. I do not have to leave WS now to eat a good meal. And, in the last 10 years, I haven’t.
The good old days weren’t – you had to leave here, or eat “fast food”, or “grease”. Actually, the south parking lot of Charlestown Cafe was a GREASY drive through “hamburger joint” for years.
So, I see the current revolution in WS as positive. There has certainly been “bad”, but there has also been “good”, as in the old Funeral home across from the Charlestown Cafe turned into Attorneys offices.
Find the positive in change – it’s going to happen anyway. The more dense the population, the less we need to leave WS. We used to be a separate city, you know, or maybe you don’t.
d…yeah…I’ve been here since 1975…I lived in the house at the corner of Andover and Calif. when I first married, in 1975. At 64, you can be bitchy, but you’re not old :)You’re talking about Penny’s Dog House….and Groth Funeral Home.I wasn’t around for Zesto’s, where McD’s is now. Yes, the growth has been positive. I remember going to the Junction at 6pm and the streets were rolled up, and no problem getting a parking spot. You forgot the restaurant that was down on Beach Drive right at the foot of Jacobsen Rd. My ex worked there when he was a teenager…I can’t recall the name, but the dining room was Pepto Bismol pink. I understand what you’re saying. I don’t believe that the owner of Charlestown Cafe was asked if he wanted to extend his lease.(although I may be wrong…that does happen..hehe) The property owner wants more of a profit from his property. Understandable. I think the reaction is…Petco is just a big ugly box. If the property is going to be developed, let’s see something decent go in there. Something that fits in with the neighborhood just a little more? And not a strip joint – lol…y’all didn’t support the adult video store when it was here…lol. I know lots would like to see a Trader Joe’s, but really, how many grocery stores do we need in such a small area. You’re right…condos with some retail would probably fit, considering that’s the way Calif. Ave. is going these days. I, myself wouldn’t mind some decent umm..clothing store, boutiques, that don’t have sky high prices.
I love the expansion of restaurants in our area, I also like places like the Cafe…and the great service and chowder.Oh, well.
Now..eric…why did I ask? I suppose it sounds like you don’t know why the cafe is so loved, especially by the seniors in the area. They simply hate to see it go, as they use it a lot, considering the discounted senior menu. I’m a child of the 60’s…a good protest never hurt anyone (well, not much – the tear gas was a bit bothersome at times). Will it help? Maybe just those who do it, so they feel like they’re not just sheep accepting anything those out there want to shove down their throats. We realize that things change…but, let’s help them change for the better for our neighborhoods. A Petco would be going in the wrong direction…just MHO.I’d like to see Petco at Westwood…much better suited for them.
Jan,
The restaurant at the bottom of Jacobsen was Quesnel’s Broiler.
Don’t remember eating there, but may have done so as a kid.
Mike
Thanks, misw…I remember that they had a take out window with really good shrimp :)
Sorry, comment time is over.
| 16 COMMENTS