It is my understanding that the North Bend Planning Commission approved, by a 4-3 vote, the change to Interchange Mixed Use zoning that will allow the construction of a hotel south of Interstate 90.

I want to thank the commissioners for their difficult work on this issue. I also want to recognize George Wyrsch, Jr., and his family, for having the courage and generosity to make the substantial personal commitment to this undertaking. George and Sharon are now able to realize what has widely been reported as their long-time aspiration to build a first-class hotel facility on the property adjacent to Exit 31 in North Bend. Considering the rigors of the hotel business and the uncertainty of any financial return, the Wyrsch’s multi-million dollar investment — for what our city officials forecast to be the overall economic betterment of our community — can only be called “selfless”.

Finally, I want to thank all of the city of North Bend officials that have worked long and hard over the past several years to put comprehensive design and performance standards in place to guide all future development and construction within the city limits. I trust that our officials will uphold these standards, and that the hotel development will be both aesthetically pleasing and a testament to the wisdom and integrity of our city government.

Jonathan Pearlstein

North Bend