Updated Point Defiance Plan

The News Tribune (here) has details about your chance to view the revised plan for Point Defiance Park. The open house will be held at the Pagoda tomorrow (Thursday, May 28th) from 5 til 8pm.

Mayor Hopkins Responds

Ruston mayor Bruce Hopkins responds to the recent criticisms of the city handling of the Point Ruston development in a special article in the News Tribune here.

Ruston Namesake Honored

Town center at 51st and Winnifred is boasting a new piece of art. A bust of William R. Rust has been erected to commemorate the man who led the drive to form the community that now carries his name. Rust was the successful owner and manager of the former smelter when the town incorporated in 1906. He used smelter lawyers to draft incorporation papers and the measure easily won the approval of voters that fall.

The statue was sponsored by the local Ruston-Point Defiance Business District with donations from Rust family, Mary Bridge Foundation and Point Ruston. The project was spearheaded by the late Babe Leher, whose efforts produced several statues in the area. Local artist Paul Michaels worked with Babe to research Rust and then created the bronze bust.

The business district is selling bricks to create a plaza around the bust to fund the project. You can order your own piece of history via this link. Dedication ceremony planning is underway.

What Do You Think?

The University of Puget Sound not only brings bright young students to our area, the university reaches out to the community in many ways. One of those community outreach efforts is having students work with local businesses to apply lessons to a real-world organization. The Ruston-Point Defiance Business District was recently the subject of an analysis by a group of business leadership seniors who looked at ways to improve the district.

The report researched current demographics, market trends, existing conditions and identified several steps to improve life for the district and businesses in our area. The full report is available here. Key recommendations include filling vacancies with businesses that meet local needs, street-scape and storefront improvements and hosting fundraiser events to increase the available budget. The district is actively reviewing the report and looking at ways to implement the recommendations.

Take a look and the report and share your thoughts. Are these ways to improve our area? What other ideas do you have?

Cohens' In The News

Although not directly related to the development down the hill, Point Ruston legal manager Loren Cohen and his wife Holland have settled a dispute with the federal government over a rental unit in an apartment building they own. The Department of Justice took Cohen's to task over their claim that some military tenants owed rent for the full term of their lease when the tenants were given orders to relocate. Federal law releases military members from leases under such conditions. More details available at The News Tribune here...

Imcumbent Council Members Unopposed

Current Ruston council members up for election this fall are assured their seats. The two seats facing election only had one candidate file for each. Council Position held by Jim Hedrick will have another 4 year term come November and Council Position 5 will have Lynn Syler elected to fill out the rest of her appointed term. More listing at the Pierce County elections page here.

Election Season

There are two Ruston council seats up for election this fall. This is the week to file if anyone is interested in running for those positions. Both council member Jim Hedrick and the newest appointed council member Lynn Syler will have to win their seats to remain on the council. Filing fees are only $10 and its always great to have a choice on the ballot. Please consider the joy of civic duty and throw your hat in the ring. More details available at Pierce County elections here...  Applications are due by Friday.

Point Ruston Update

This article in The News Tribune does a great job of summarizing the different approaches between Ruston and Tacoma as they have dealt with Point Ruston. It also outlines the current status of the project and where negotiations stand with the proposal to have Tacoma run the permitting for the entire site. It's a long article but well worth the read...

New Restaurant Under Construction

Just in case you are wondering what the activity is at the former Cole's Tavern at 51st and Pearl, there is a new restaurant under construction. The owner of the Parkway Tavern is putting his faith in our locale and doing a major remodel to the building. The full set of plans is available here, but a preview of the front of the new watering hole is below. No word on an expected opening date.

Ruston Fire In The News

Our Ruston fire department was featured in this News Tribune article today. Our volunteer fire fighters held their first high-rise fire and rescue drill at the Commencement condo building last night. The idea to stage a drill in the 6-story building came out of a lunch the building owners had at Don's Ruston Market. Don is our fire chief and neighborly conversation led to a great idea. Small town at it best!

Champagne Room At The Blue Octopus

Ruston's art gallery, the Blue Octopus, is adding a Champagne Room to their repertoire. Owner and artist Kerry Cole has always offered wonderful painting parties with wine, but she is expanding the selections. The grand opening is slated for June 13th. More details on Facebook here...