Story Photos
 Eric and Julianna Montgomery stand with their daughter in their home and business, which they have put up for sale. Leila Summers / The Daily News
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Misunderstanding over zoning may force Kalama B&B owners to sell
Saturday, May 17, 2008 9:08 AM PDT
By Leila Summers
Printable version
E-mail this articleKALAMA — Eric and Julianna Montgomery invested their life savings to transform a century-old home in the heart of town into a luxury bed and breakfast where they would host weddings, receptions, high teas and intimate gatherings.
After a year of hard work, the three-story Craftsman-style home at 180 S. First St. gleamed with new paint, new rooms, modern applicances, canopy beds, restored chandeliers and lion’s paw bathtubs.
But the couple’s dreams soured shortly after opening their doors last month.
The Montgomerys learned they needed a zoning change to hold special events at the house, which is located in a residential neighborhood on the fringe of the downtown business district.
“Not being able to have events has decreased our income potential by about 50 percent,” Eric Montgomery said this week.
The couple say they can’t afford to operate solely as a B&B and recently put the house up for sale, asking $650,000.
Since opening the first week of April, Montgomery House has turned down four weddings.
“You know, I get off the phone and cry whenever I have to tell a potential client we can’t have them,” Julianna said.
Mayor Pete Poulsen said the city is working on changing the zoning for the house, but it could take months.
Plans for special events weren’t clearly conveyed to the city, which assumed the place would only house and feed overnight guests, Poulsen said.
“It was when we saw her flyers that the issue came up,” he said.
The Montgomerys take some of the blame, saying they assumed the city knew they would host special events. Cities regulate business activities in residential areas because of parking, noise and other potential disruptions they may cause.
Since the permitting trouble arose, rumors have circulated about what is happening to one of the town’s newest businesses. Whispers that the city is trying to squash competition with its Community Building — located nearby and also available for special events — just aren’t true, Poulsen said.
“I don’t see any comparisons. They’re two different things,” Poulsen said.
Julianna Montgomery also doubts the city wants to shut them down, saying their house offers a “totally different environment and clientele.”
Both the city and the Montgomerys are working together to fix zoning problems so future owners can host special events at the house.
“Even if we lose everything, at least we’re making a positive change,” said Julianna, while feeding her 1-year-old daughter a banana in the B&B’s kitchen.
The Montgomerys said they will continue to operate as a bed and breakfast for as long as possible and don’t have immediate plans to close.
“We’re hoping for a miracle,” Julianna said. “We don’t come from rich families to keep this running until the zoning is changed.”
Eric is a Kelso native who had previously worked in small boutique hotels in Seattle. Julianna, who grew up near Everett, has worked as an event planner. When the couple purchased the house in 2006, it was turquoise and “Pepto-Bismol pink.”
They couple says they’ve invested all of their retirement and savings into fixing the house. It took $150,000 — not including Eric’s time and remodeling work — to restore the house.
Both play in a Top 40 cover band called Maurice the Fish. They’ve stayed in countless bed and breakfasts while traveling to gigs, they said. Hosting special events is a common practice, they said, and assumed the city knew that, too.
“We’re lovers of B&Bs and we’re familiar with B&Bs having events all the time,” Eric Montgomery said. “It didn’t cross our mind it would be a problem.”
wrote on May 17, 2008 12:25 AM:
" Best of luck to this new company and family. I hope you get your miracle! "
Sly or Shy wrote on May 17, 2008 12:49 AM:
" Going to a concert dosesn't make you a rockstar, nor eathing in a restaurant make you a chef or waitress. Owing a B&B is no different. There are many requirements that must be met to serve the public food you prepare in your home, and other rules apply from the Health Department and City or County you operate your B&B in. I find it hard to believe that anyone is so niave to think the City should assume that a B&B would host events such as weddings.
Would you also assume that you could include alchol in your menu without a liquor license? Any new business owner who has not done research on what requirements they must meet, and what laws apply to their business and it's location, is not likely to succeed anyway. There is so much more to starting a new business than meets the eye, and it sounds like this couple would have encountered many more problems with the lack of knowledge and experience needed to pull this one off. With this lack of business skills and investing background based on assuming so much for granted, I would not want them coordinating my wedding. That's a whole different line of business in itself that requires expertiese in "weddings", and even the experienced ones have more than their share of problems to satisfy their customers 100%. Maybe it's is well they find a different type of business to start afterall. "
Would you also assume that you could include alchol in your menu without a liquor license? Any new business owner who has not done research on what requirements they must meet, and what laws apply to their business and it's location, is not likely to succeed anyway. There is so much more to starting a new business than meets the eye, and it sounds like this couple would have encountered many more problems with the lack of knowledge and experience needed to pull this one off. With this lack of business skills and investing background based on assuming so much for granted, I would not want them coordinating my wedding. That's a whole different line of business in itself that requires expertiese in "weddings", and even the experienced ones have more than their share of problems to satisfy their customers 100%. Maybe it's is well they find a different type of business to start afterall. "
bluE wrote on May 17, 2008 4:43 AM:
" you foolish so called leaders will waste our taxes on studies on how to improve the economy and so on but when the people put their money into their dreams there is always some type of ordinance to hang them up. these folks want to have weddings its not like they are witch doctors or but rockers and even if they were, its no ones right to stop them , specially in a little town like yours that has no economy at all or anything else going for it, let people do as they do as long as it hurts no one, and if anyone has a problem let them talk it out, we don't need your out dated rule books to maintain the world in a stale sterile dieing state. "
Make it work wrote on May 17, 2008 6:39 AM:
" Come on Mayor, why should it take months to change the zoning law? These people have worked hard to make a go of this place, and if anything, it should add to the attraction of Kalama. Surely there is some parking area nearby and just make sure the Montgomery's know they can't have loud music playing that might disturb the neighbors. Give them a break please. "
tilly wrote on May 17, 2008 7:03 AM:
" Hang in there. Sad that with so many changes already that this would take so long to straighten out. Kalama has been a growing town for a long time and many changes have already been made. And this too could be one of them :) You have already come so far and this is the last hurdle . . .to a grand start. I will hope that the zone changes before a buyer comes about and gives you a second wind to your dream. "
P wrote on May 17, 2008 7:14 AM:
" Hand in there. It's nice to read of peope who have positive goals and taking the right steps, working with the city to resolve them. The city needs to remove the red tape. "
Curious wrote on May 17, 2008 7:28 AM:
" People hold weddings in all kinds of places, including private homes. Why is it necessary to zone a place for weddings? "
Rainier Resident wrote on May 17, 2008 7:34 AM:
" Kalama needs the flow of tourism that could be generated by this business. If nothing else, is there a way to to a temporary zoning change to allow them to operate while this process is completed? If some king of exception is not made Kalama may find their newest tourist draw is gone, and all the money that could have been spent in the other local businesses is gone as well. "
To Sly or Shy wrote on May 17, 2008 8:40 AM:
" Hey, you're neither sly or shy, or smart, for that matter! You've obviously got an ax to grind and you're doing it here. It's sad to think that you really believe, as you state, "...I would not want them coordinating my wedding. That's a whole different line of business in itself that requires expertiese in 'weddings'." Puhleaz, I've been to no less than 90 weddings, and the most beautiful wedding I've been to was planned by the bride, her mother, his mother, and a close friend. The over orchestrated, "planned" weddings I've been to are often bodacious and embarrassing, not to mention budget busting. This young couple obviously threatens you with their robust enthusiasm. And that, as they say, is sad. "
Simple Fix wrote on May 17, 2008 8:43 AM:
" As a resident of Kalama I could host a wedding at my house if I wanted to. There is nothing to stop me from doing this and I challenge the city to try. If these fine folks at this fine establishment simply "host the event, for free, then there is no problem. If the newly married couple wishes to give a "gift" donation then that is fine too. People of Kalama, remember at election time the brain dead decisions being made by brain dead wannabe politicians. "
Blah wrote on May 17, 2008 8:48 AM:
" What were they thinking, when they invested all this money? Who would honestly host a wedding at that place with with about 6 parking spaces in front of the home. And now trying to get $650,000??? I'm sure!!! Who would ever pay that? How did the real estate agent come up with that one??? "
Citizen wrote on May 17, 2008 9:00 AM:
" I can't believe Kalama is going to destroy this business. No special permit or temporary permit allowed to save their business. Just get rid of them.
Kind of makes one wonder why they would want to do business in Kalama at all doesn't it?
If the Kalama city council can't give them the temporary permit they need to do business, they should pay them the $650K and sell the business themselves.
"
Kind of makes one wonder why they would want to do business in Kalama at all doesn't it?
If the Kalama city council can't give them the temporary permit they need to do business, they should pay them the $650K and sell the business themselves.
"
To City of Kalama wrote on May 17, 2008 9:07 AM:
" this is a HUGE asset to your community. You talk of how you would like to have more revenue and having people spend monies into your town and yet I know for a fact that you make it difficult for businesses to thrive there. Parking for this couple, because of it being in a residential area, could be remedied by having an agreement to have a shuttle service set up, having the guests for the event to park elsewhere...even at the school when it is after school hours. Anyway, you can't have your decisions go both ways. Here is a opportunity for you to have more revenue and foot traffic to your quaint town, why can't the process be sped up, after all, it's your call. "
to bluE wrote on May 17, 2008 9:15 AM:
" What is a "but rocker?" More important, though, are the ignorant comments making up the rest of your post. Wake up and realize there are one set of ordinances to follow, not one set for each individual person and their circumstances. A rezone of the property would be the ordinary means to correct the issue/allow for a different use. Situations like this happen everywhere, everyday - so get a grip, ok? "
Why wrote on May 17, 2008 9:55 AM:
" It is a shame that Kalama will take months to make a decision on zoning changes. Also, how many wedding receptions, we are talking - not everyday - all year? If Montgomerys follow rules on food and liquor, why are they being denied to bring business to Kalama? "
To City Govt. Kalama wrote on May 17, 2008 10:09 AM:
" Maybe this is the opportunity you've been looking for. This B&B would make a good library for the City to expand into. On the otherhand, the Council could help and welcome a new business. Nah, not unless it helped the Council members and their pocketbooks. My choice: Help this business succeed! "
Hide Behind wrote on May 17, 2008 10:19 AM:
" I have a wishing well if anyone wants to throw money in it and hope that their wish comes true.You give city leaders a demand to plan and when they don't you give em ,, and when they have and it interferes with some feel good or causes some a slight inconvenience they whine.You want to end Special Interest Politics and back room deals and then ask for a special interest break for just those you choose. City planning is a lot more than just one buisness needs such as water, sewer. street traffic, impact upon single-multi family, households, nearby buisness, tax revenues, health and building codes.The mistake was made by investors not city, and there are no victims here; an act no more differetn than if your next door neighbor built one more floor on home and began a tavern on bottom level and when you griped, he shows up in a wheelchair drooling at mouth and because of his conditon and need for money city says OK.In this case because they look act and dress like what we like to think of as common nice people behind it, they may be nice common folk, they are buisness persons who chose B&B instead of another buisness or just a home to locate where they are. You want to get married and not be charged a fee is one thing but facility charging such needs to be regulated as a buisness by state laws not just city ordinance. "
I dont get it wrote on May 17, 2008 10:37 AM:
" Is this the same city that intends to ask the voters to support the gossiped 2.5 million dollars bond to move the city departments to the brand new Blue Sky building? Support breeds support.
The Montgomery House hosted a Chamber of Commerce Board meeting one evening and the very next morning the city police came to "talk" to the Montgomerys about the seriousness of this issue. Come on, the police?
I don't think I'll support any bond until the city supports businesses. "
The Montgomery House hosted a Chamber of Commerce Board meeting one evening and the very next morning the city police came to "talk" to the Montgomerys about the seriousness of this issue. Come on, the police?
I don't think I'll support any bond until the city supports businesses. "
Kalama citizen wrote on May 17, 2008 10:40 AM:
" community members: just remember this when the city brings to vote on moving City Hall, the Police Station and the Library to the new building downtown. Vote it down and let the city stay where they are now. They don't have enough parking either so how does the city get by with this.
Let the B&B operate as is even on a temporary permit or say no to the City Hall. "
Let the B&B operate as is even on a temporary permit or say no to the City Hall. "
stay with us wrote on May 17, 2008 11:09 AM:
" I appreciate people's support for this genuinely kind couple. They are good people to have in Kalama ... I hope we can keep them around! :) "
huh wrote on May 17, 2008 11:59 AM:
" If the business is out of business how does that compute to $650.000 dollars? "
Is this support wrote on May 17, 2008 12:04 PM:
" The city of Kalama will be asking the voters to pass a bond to move the city departments into an other building soon. What kind of support do they give its citizens who want to make an honest living?
The police came to "talk" to the Montgomerys the night after they hosted a Chamber of Commerce Board meeting. No money changed hands. What kind of support is that?
This whole thing was handled real bad.
Yes, the Montgomerys should not have assumed anything but sometimes you just don't know that you just don't know. "
The police came to "talk" to the Montgomerys the night after they hosted a Chamber of Commerce Board meeting. No money changed hands. What kind of support is that?
This whole thing was handled real bad.
Yes, the Montgomerys should not have assumed anything but sometimes you just don't know that you just don't know. "
Dill Pickle wrote on May 17, 2008 12:05 PM:
" Why in the world would the city not want all these people close to down town where they could spend their money and patronize services that would bring in taxes for the city? Toss the council out next election or recall them now! "
larry wrote on May 17, 2008 12:13 PM:
" the city of Kalama did the right thing. some area's are zoned commerical and some are zoned residentual for a reason. "
To sly or shy wrote on May 17, 2008 12:18 PM:
" You are totally out of WHACK! YOu don't even know what you are talking about so just shut up!
I've lived in Kalama for 50+ yrs. It's hard for the city fathers to understand we are growing, new ideas are good for all of us, but the small ton minds that are running Kalama need to be replaced. How that can happen I don't know but it's hurting us as a town. They let some people do one thing and the next person or business can't. Letting the two new buildings go up without an elevator and proper parking was WRONG. I know the builder(he owns the buildings) left up a 6" peremiter wall so it made it ok to not build to code for a NEW construction. I know the buildings look good for the city and its better than what was there but come on we need parking and safety in any new construction or major remodel.We keep hearing but he was GRANDFATHERED in. Not a good enough excuse.
All in All good luck to the Bed and Breakfast, sometimes the girls in the city office are not on it, nice girls but not smart at times or professional.
Maybe they will get better when they move into Blue Sky, actually it would be a good move for the city and the girls,(they won't have to pull money out of their *** to make their building payments) so it wou help both parties.
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!!!! Am out of here! "
I've lived in Kalama for 50+ yrs. It's hard for the city fathers to understand we are growing, new ideas are good for all of us, but the small ton minds that are running Kalama need to be replaced. How that can happen I don't know but it's hurting us as a town. They let some people do one thing and the next person or business can't. Letting the two new buildings go up without an elevator and proper parking was WRONG. I know the builder(he owns the buildings) left up a 6" peremiter wall so it made it ok to not build to code for a NEW construction. I know the buildings look good for the city and its better than what was there but come on we need parking and safety in any new construction or major remodel.We keep hearing but he was GRANDFATHERED in. Not a good enough excuse.
All in All good luck to the Bed and Breakfast, sometimes the girls in the city office are not on it, nice girls but not smart at times or professional.
Maybe they will get better when they move into Blue Sky, actually it would be a good move for the city and the girls,(they won't have to pull money out of their *** to make their building payments) so it wou help both parties.
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!!!! Am out of here! "
A Different View wrote on May 17, 2008 12:20 PM:
" While it is nice to add such a business to this wonderful town, how would you like to be the neighbors to this. How would you like large trucks parked in front of your house, with crews unloading and loading tables, chairs, PA systems at 7AM or wrapping up at 10PM. How would you like to have a party next door to your house every weekend. While this would not be a rock and roll setting, it is still noise and traffic polution in a quiet neighborhood. I would be quite upset to have a house next door, then find out that my quiet neighborhood is going to become wedding central. "
Police wrote on May 17, 2008 12:30 PM:
" I can't even think why the police would get involved to discuss the matter with The Montgomerys....they have NO business getting involved, if so Mr. Poulson really needs to get a brain scan! The city needs to be concerned about all the junkers and junk property owners in the CITY limits, someone trys to make something better and they get looked at cross eyed, what's the problem?OH...unless you are connected some how to the city. "
Where does it say wrote on May 17, 2008 12:38 PM:
" in the article that the police were involved in this at all? And what does them not checking into zoning restrictions before opening their business have to do with the city trying to move into a new building that should meet their needs for the next 20 years? It's unfortunate for the Montgomery family, but the city is not to blame for this situation. I just hope that they can get this resolved in a timely manner to keep the Montgomerys in business. "
Get real SLY OR SHY wrote on May 17, 2008 2:11 PM:
" When starting a business, one learns certain things by experience. The competition is never keen on handing out advice. So, speaking from experience, how can you say that they would not make good B&B owners simply because of this one issue? Is every business you patron 'lily white'? Unfortunately, this issue happens to be in the newspaper and many other business owners are reading this, thinking to themselves how glad they are to not have their dirty laundry in the paper. "
Government being the problem again wrote on May 17, 2008 2:28 PM:
" We have given the government too much power. Did you know that it is illegal to start a haircutting business without licensing! Ridiculous. Did you know it is illegal to sell a self-built computer without licensing your brand with the state. This is insanity. We are destroying our own viability with stupid regulation and ordinances. I feel sorry for America in this upcoming recession - no longer do we have the freedom to pull ourselves out of economic misery! "
Josh wrote on May 17, 2008 2:36 PM:
" Why do you even need the stupid zoning regulations in the first place? And what business is it of the Kalama gov't? "
If This Isnt Big Brother... wrote on May 17, 2008 2:44 PM:
" ...What Is? What about individual rights? Permits to live a decent, honest life?
Spare the heck out of me. Good luck to all of us. "
Spare the heck out of me. Good luck to all of us. "
Big mike wrote on May 17, 2008 3:08 PM:
" Not coming from a rich family and dropping 150K into a place? Mmmm hmm. "
Latoya wrote on May 17, 2008 4:25 PM:
" so, what you are saying is, if I'm a huge business person in this area, and I keep running stop lights, I don't have to pay my tickets because I'll move my business out of town? Laws are laws folks. These people should have taken a small business class, or got some new business guidance first. "
Thanks Everyone - wrote on May 17, 2008 5:02 PM:
" I haven't this good of a time reading anything in months. Most of you armchair quarterbacks haven't the slightest clue about this situation - and yours are the comments I have found most entertaining. Take for example Big Brother, Josh, Government, Pickle and many of the rest of you. I would suppose from your comments that you are all perfect? Let's put this situation back into its proper context - that of the situation and TDN's article, not the context of your anti-government, pro individual rights rampaging. The Montgomeries were breaking the law. Not some strange new law created for them by the City Council, but a simple zoning ordinance like those existing around every incorporated area. It was their responsibility beforehand to ensure the planned uses would comply with those allowed for the property, not that of the city or anyone else. One way for the Montgomeries to come into compliance is to seek a rezoning of the property - a process apparently underway. This has zero to do with the Blue Sky Building, moving of city offices, a council gone wild or parking (though parking will be a consideration for the rezone). Statements to such are ignorant and foolish - as are statements hinting/suggesting they be allowed to continue unhindered on the merit of being good people or good for the community. Of course they are...and good people aren't lawbreakers. What does that make you? "
eminent domain wrote on May 17, 2008 5:39 PM:
" If Kalama wanted to change zoning from residential to commercial, they know how. They could take anyone's nearby home and legally buy them out to create a new zone, look at every other municipality, geez. This is nothing but a push, old school, new school zoning philosophy. "
loa wrote on May 17, 2008 6:43 PM:
" I would like to blame the city but they aren't the only ones you should be are fault. We they applied for a business license did the city and state ask them what they are going to be doing? Eric you would have had a better chance fighting city hall if you were a Kalama native instead of coming from Kelso. See Kalama only wants to help out there own (Blue Sky), Please don't feel bad it happens to most that wants to do business in the Kalama area. Been there done that one couldn't get any help and move from Kalama. Plus dear behind before leaving Kalama how about coming home from a trip and your neighbor has add a 2 floor and took your view, the city just watched and did nothing? "
to re eminent domain wrote on May 17, 2008 7:42 PM:
" Time to educate yourself regarding others' blubbering about eminent domain; such as, the US Supreme Court decisions, and local government interpretations of Supreme Court rulings in this instance. Cheers, by the way. Here's a few starters (in case you haven't a clue). So in fairness, here's some links: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/15/realestate/commercial/15eminent.html
"California, Idaho and Washington State defeated initiatives to require compensation for owners of property that lost value as a result of a government action to restrict its use." or this:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/229882_developside24.htmlA "U.S. Supreme Court ruling giving local governments broad powers to condemn homes to make way for economic development projects isn't likely to have a big effect in Washington." EMINENT DOMAIN IS A ZONING and property use REALITY under the law of our land. CALL IT BLUBBERING ALL you like. There are 80,700 results for "eminent domain" and "washington state" at google. Start reading about the topic, then you can 'blubber' about it. "
"California, Idaho and Washington State defeated initiatives to require compensation for owners of property that lost value as a result of a government action to restrict its use." or this:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/229882_developside24.htmlA "U.S. Supreme Court ruling giving local governments broad powers to condemn homes to make way for economic development projects isn't likely to have a big effect in Washington." EMINENT DOMAIN IS A ZONING and property use REALITY under the law of our land. CALL IT BLUBBERING ALL you like. There are 80,700 results for "eminent domain" and "washington state" at google. Start reading about the topic, then you can 'blubber' about it. "
to loa wrote on May 17, 2008 8:43 PM:
" What are you talking about? Do you speak english as your primary language? "
to re to eminent domain wrote on May 17, 2008 9:55 PM:
" You are a joke, and the babbling of your post is laughable at best. Pleae tell us, oh smart one, what does eminent domain have to do with the situation being discussed? "
LOA wrote on May 18, 2008 8:08 AM:
" I guess I must have mad someone in Kalama MAD... I went to school in Kalama, doesn't said much for your schools either. "
Innkeeper wrote on May 18, 2008 8:54 AM:
" For those of you not familiar with B&B's and the services they offer, please let me offer this information. A properly run B&B has rules and laws for the jurisdiction they operate their business in. The same as any other business does. They have a contract with their clients and a fee is charged for their services. In Cowlitz County fees range from $70.00 to $250.00 a night. Without these contracts for room rental, it would be nothing more than an illegal flop house with no laws binding. A good B&B can be a very lucrative income, but is run very similiar to a hotel setting. Offering other events to take place, such as rental of rooms for weddings, meetings and parties is a separate endeavour and has laws and safety measures that must be complied with, such as room capacity and parking availability. The number of exits available, the need for fire extinguishers and their inspecions being up to date; all these things need to be addressed when operating a business of this kind. The cleaniness and proper health care inspections for any place food is prepared should be of concern for any traveler. To anyone that is considering opening a B&B in their home regardless of your zoning, needs to have proper licenses, etc. in hand before attempting to rent out part of your house for profit. You need a license/permit to rent reception halls also. "
Affects us all wrote on May 18, 2008 3:48 PM:
" Much as I hate government involvement in anything, zoning laws are in place for a reason. Neighbors should not have to deal with the fallout of large weddings and receptions in a residential neighborhood. We all know about "old Uncle Joe" who drinks too much and then exposes himself and urinates on the nearest garbage can. Maybe the owners can come up with something a little less invasive for their neighbors. Some type of a day event that doesn't involve drinking would be better. I know I would be really pissed if someone tried to do what they are trying in my neighborhood. "
Neighbor wrote on May 19, 2008 11:40 AM:
" Hi Neighbor,
As a business owner I have to say that it is the responsibility of the person(s)who is applying for permits, to disclose all information about said business. There is no way the City employees can second guess what businesses are going to want to do when they are up and running. The City of Kalama has zoning laws for all it's citizens (private residences and businesses) and this business is right in the heart of a residential neighborhood. Typically one does not have "events" for hire, in somebody else's back yard. Loud music, boozing, foot traffic and parking all are taken into zoning consideration. It is my belief that the Montgomery's (whom I have met) are good people. But they made a serious business blunder and now everybody wants the City of Kalama to take the fall. It's easy to blame the government, it's the easy way out. But this time, government is not at fault. The City of Kalama can't be held accountable for the Montgomerys having spent $650,000.00 on this endeavor. That was their choice. We have to stop blaming others for the choices we make. This is a real shame because intentions were good on both sides. "
As a business owner I have to say that it is the responsibility of the person(s)who is applying for permits, to disclose all information about said business. There is no way the City employees can second guess what businesses are going to want to do when they are up and running. The City of Kalama has zoning laws for all it's citizens (private residences and businesses) and this business is right in the heart of a residential neighborhood. Typically one does not have "events" for hire, in somebody else's back yard. Loud music, boozing, foot traffic and parking all are taken into zoning consideration. It is my belief that the Montgomery's (whom I have met) are good people. But they made a serious business blunder and now everybody wants the City of Kalama to take the fall. It's easy to blame the government, it's the easy way out. But this time, government is not at fault. The City of Kalama can't be held accountable for the Montgomerys having spent $650,000.00 on this endeavor. That was their choice. We have to stop blaming others for the choices we make. This is a real shame because intentions were good on both sides. "
Prodigalson wrote on May 21, 2008 10:22 PM:
" I'm the nephew of the Montgomery's, and for those of you such as sly or shhy, you have your info dead wrong. Don't be so quick to judge. My Aunt could host parties and weddings you never dreamed of. In fact she has hosted many, I repeat, many weddings. The fact that she Plans just about everything for her band, a band I might add that is said to be the # 1 Cover band gives credence that she is an excellent hostess and planner. So if you don't want her hosting your wedding, sorry 'bout your bad luck.
Now to mention the actually issue at hand. In all honesty, the blame is on My Aunt and Uncle. They made a mistake. Granted the City reacted harshly, but they are dealing with the law here. It would not be an intellegent thing to ignore for city officials. They can easily get sued by neighbors for allowing a business to run out of the zone.
As it is evident that they are dealing with laws already put in place, it should also be evident that zone changes don't happen over night. It is a long proccess. If you want to speed things up, then lend a hand and quit griping about the cruelty of today's goverment. As they said, they're trying to help My Aunt and Uncle out. I'm just sorry things worked out this way. "
Now to mention the actually issue at hand. In all honesty, the blame is on My Aunt and Uncle. They made a mistake. Granted the City reacted harshly, but they are dealing with the law here. It would not be an intellegent thing to ignore for city officials. They can easily get sued by neighbors for allowing a business to run out of the zone.
As it is evident that they are dealing with laws already put in place, it should also be evident that zone changes don't happen over night. It is a long proccess. If you want to speed things up, then lend a hand and quit griping about the cruelty of today's goverment. As they said, they're trying to help My Aunt and Uncle out. I'm just sorry things worked out this way. "
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