River Club Estates is a nice upper middle class neighborhood of higher value homes.  The homes range in value from $180,000 -- $500,000       
A scenic wide river, green trees, and the quiet and livability found only in a small residential community have been some of the reasons that people have chosen this place for their home. 

If the City of St. Helens has its way, many Columbia City residents may become less than happy.  The City is proposing to build a new water treatment facility west of 4th Street, between the Bike Path and M street.  It is alleged that they may cut up to 120 trees along the bike path.  Plans call for them to widen the bike path to roadway width, construct a 10,000 Square foot waste water building, erect two 40 foot high water towers and construct a 8-10 foot high black chain link fence with three strands of barbed wire to protect their investment.

Nadyne Ichimura's home is located close to the cities proposed pumping facility. Nadine and her husband chose to build their home because they fell in love with the quiet and beauty of the surrounding area.  They enjoyed seeing people walk their dogs and jog along the bike path. They were assured that the area was zoned "residential" and there would be no industrial or commercial activities close to their home.  They were not pleased when they found out that the City of St. Helens planned to build a pumping facility. The pumps will run continually around the clock.  They were told that the sound will be in the 40 to 60 decibel range..    Nadyne seems to be under the impression that the sound of the pumps, the worker activity, backwashing, trucks and other things that are associated with a water treatment  facility might create a less than relaxing atmosphere for her family.

See Letter: http://www.crpud.net/~eaglew/ichimura

Ginger and Gil Allen also have a home on 4th street.  They too are quite upset by what the City of St. Helens seems to have planned for their neighborhood.  Gil is a builder, and is very much concerned about home values.  He seems to think that this plant will adversely effect everyone in his neighborhood.   His wife Ginger seems to think that the City has other choices.  "They really don't have to build across from our homes.  They could construct their plant further south and this would minimize their impacts.  They are doing it this way because they think that it is cheaper. 

One of the group commented that they didn't exactly remember the exact words of Skip Baker the St. Helens City Planner but he allegedly said: " By rights, the City of St. Helens