Shifting sand dunes might be the fastest-moving thing
in the coastal town of Florence, Ore., population 6,200, and some
residents would like to see it stay that way. But as the area’s
timber and fishing industries die off, a new kind of development is
moving in to take their place. In the spring of 1997, a few
business people, retirees and others concerned about a proposed
mall formed Citizens for Florence. With a mission of “improving the
livability of Florence through public education,” the group now
keeps an eye on development projects. “Instead of being subject to
the salesman’s pitch, we start digging into things,” says one
supporter. Because of “direct and indirect intimidation” by
developers, says spokeswoman Kathleen Sullivan, the group has no
membership list; instead, it relies on a loose network of about 100
people. Members have researched alternatives to a proposed sewage
treatment plant, fought a superstore chain over its planned
shopping complex in the area, and even purchased books on planning
for the city council. For more information about the group’s
ongoing activities, call 541/997-5432 or write to Citizens for
Florence, P.O. Box 1212, Florence, OR
97439.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Defending the dunes.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
