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So many towns, big and small, become whatever they become as a result of circumstance. They may start out as one thing, years or centuries ago, and then through the many thousands of decisions piled up over time, the people in the community wake up one day to discover the town is something totally different than its initial intentions. Sometimes these changes make towns better; sometimes they turn them into ghost towns. And often, to take control of a town’s destiny, the community has to get together and make some tough decisions.

A small town with a lot on its mind is Hoquiam, Washington. The Pacific Northwest town in Grays Harbor was born a lumber town, its economy growing from the forests all around it. Today it keeps an eye on its past with a variety of events — such as the internationally recognized Loggers’ Playday as well as annual fall logging competitions and parades. Where it goes from here is the big question, though.

The discussion in Hoquiam revolves around what to do with its waterfront. The Hoquiam River courses right through Hoquiam’s scenic downtown, offering up possibilities for tourism and culture with a lovely backdrop. The waterfront-as-cultural spot has been successfully exploited by cities such as San Antonio and Baltimore, and in the right kind of place, a developed waterfront is the perfect place to place a dining and shopping destination.

The waterfront has been mostly out of use since its big days in the 1980s, but now the new interest in developing the area means Hoquiam has some decisions to make about what kind of Hoquiam it wants to become. Questions not easily answered, especially when tax money is involved.

An interesting catalyst might be in Hoquiam’s proximity to its neighboring city to the east, Aberdeen. Aberdeen is slightly larger, and in the way of many neighboring towns, there is a bit of a rivalry. These kinds of relationships often encourage clever innovation and development as the towns struggle to distinguish themselves, and so maybe Hoquiam will define itself in some marked contrast to its nearby sister.

It’s a matter of responsible decisions — balancing its connection to its past with its potential future identity, finding the right leaders to enact and carry out those decisions. For small towns, these kinds of development decisions are so important because so much of the community itself will be changed, both the identity and the infrastructure. But if you have the advantage of location, that’s a good start.

Get farther about Wade Entezar.

categories: hotels,housing,development,real estate,property

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