A first start

As expected, a new overnight camping ordinance designed to provide options for the homeless, passed in its first and second readings last Monday. But the new ordinance leaves much unsaid: the locations where campers can park is a matter of policy, not the ordinance, and when discussions begin, neighbors will be sure to weigh in. The ordinance, while it regulates camping in parks and most residential streets, doesn’t offer alternatives for those without registered, operating — including those without means.

A place to reflect

Visitors to Seaside have taken time to linger at the estuary outlook on North Holladay Drive for generations. It’s listed in the visitors guide and referred to as one of the landmarks of the city, with an unobstructed view of the estuary and the ocean beyond. People pull in to relax for a moment and bask in nature.

When the Seaside School District sold the former high school in December, the outlook came with the deal was part of the property. Last week residents asked the city to pursue an outright purchase or negotiation with the owners, possibly to save the property in exchange for reduced systems development charges, cash or zoning trade-offs. More to come on this big story.

Hospital to close pharmacy

Head’s up, if you have prescriptions with the Providence Seaside Hospital’s Pharmacy, you’ll soon be picking them up at Rite Aid. On April 25, the pharmacy will close after seven years, a result of “ongoing and increasing regulatory requirements, and balancing the needs of the hospital and clinics,” according to a hospital spokesman. “The retail pharmacy function can best be served by existing pharmacies in the community.”

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