Residents press organizers over amphitheater access, fairgrounds noise and Port waterfront plans

Steve Goldberg, an amphitheater liaison who spoke at the Coral Creek information session, walked residents through a series of operational updates and concerns about event traffic and nearby development.

Goldberg said the amphitheater has placed signs on local approaches and that small events will allow local vehicles through if drivers have a hang tag. "If you don't have a hang tag, contact the amphitheater, and they will get you one," he said, noting that larger events when Washington State Patrol monitors intersections may not honor the hang tags. He urged residents to be courteous to traffic monitors and said the amphitheater operations team meets regularly with local stakeholders.

Goldberg also summarized Port of Ridgefield waterfront redevelopment concepts. He said current plans show about 9 of 40 acres designated for public park and that the remainder is proposed for commercial and residential development, including two 20,000-square-foot commercial buildings, a 58-room hotel and a 200-plus unit apartment complex. A local group, PreserveRidgefieldWaterfront, is collecting signatures and feedback via a website and survey.

Attendees also raised concerns about fairgrounds operations and noise. Goldberg said fairgrounds staff have been receptive to feedback and are installing a new reader board intended to reduce announcer volume; residents were asked to report noise incidents and specify whether the amphitheater or fairgrounds was the source.

Meeting participants additionally noted large concrete "eco" blocks placed in grass parking areas at the fairgrounds; Goldberg said he did not have the full rationale but that fairgrounds staff were receptive to questions.

Goldberg concluded by urging attendees to participate in the Port survey and other outreach and reminding residents the neighborhood association can provide hang tags for local access during some events.