HomeMy WebLinkAbout071423 CIty of PT Announces Further Public Engagement on the Evans Vista Housing Development Master PlanCityaj
...... .............. .
. ....... . .......
Townsena
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2023
Emma Bolin,
Director of Planning & Community
Development
360.390.4048 lbplliiin... ii.. _ of taus
CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND ANNOUNCES FURTHER PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
ON THE EVANS VISTA HOUSING DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN
Financial feasibility discussed with Planning Commission on 7/19, information
at Concerts on the Dock on 7/20, and City Council briefed on 8/7
PORT TOWNSEND - The City of Port Townsend is thrilled to announce the continuation of public engagement
for the Evans Vista Housing Development Master Plan. The City invites the community to participate and
share their valuable insights as the project progresses, offering a fun opportunity to shape the future of our
new neighborhood. With a focus on conceptual site plan renderings and preliminary financial pro forma, the
City is dedicated to creating an inclusive and sustainable community.
This initiative links directly to the recent findings of the Financial Sustainability Task Force in their report to
City Council earlier this month which, among other findings, concludes that efficient urban form drives both
greater affordability and greater financial sustainability.
The City's project team, consisting of the Department of Planning & Community Development, Department
of Public Works and Thomas Architecture Studios (TAS) along with a consortium of consultants including
Terrapin Architecture, SCJ Alliance, Landau Associates and ECONorthwest is committed to incorporating
diverse perspectives into the planning process.
The next engagement opportunities include a discussion on the plan's financial feasibility on July 19th in front
of the Planning Commission at 6:30pm in City Council Chambers. The meeting will also unveil findings from
the community survey, which received over 300 responses. The survey, conducted in May and reopened for
additional input in July and July, focused on housing needs, amenity interests, and demographics.
On July 20th, visit the City Evans Vista booth at Concerts on the Dock to explore poster boards showing site
plan alternatives and early financial key points, like amount of subsidy required, Area Median Income (AMI)
levels and the resulting affordability in terms of rent or mortgage within the city. There will be a virtual Zoom
workshop on Thursday July 271h in the evening for those who cannot attend in-person activities. Visit the
project website for details and to access the Zoom link.
250 Madison oin Street - Suite 2. Poirt'rownseind - WA 98368 it www.cityofpt,,us
Cityaj
...... .............. .
. ....... . .......
Townsena
City Council will also hear a comprehensive presentation on the project's financial analysis, outreach
summary, and design options on August 7. Based on this outreach on community preferences, the project
team hopes to answer key questions such as how many units are possible and what type, what affordability
mix is feasible, what role may exist for commercial or mixed-use development, and what amenities the
project can support. The project team will prepare a final option and summary for a joint City Council and
Planning Commission meeting on October 9. This meeting will serve as a significant milestone in the planning
process that refines alternatives with a feasibility analysis, engineering study, and framework for desired
affordability goals and vision so that the City can request proposals for development in early 2024.
Emma Bolin, the Director of Planning & Community Development stated "The Evans Vista planning process is
and will be an incredible journey, co -developed with our amazing community, to construct over 150 units of
new housing that addresses the pressing issue of affordable housing in our City. We are not only excited
about providing affordable homes, but also about creating a vibrant new destination for commercial and
mixed-use activity that will serve the surrounding area, while adding a new sense of place and identity. Evans
Vista will truly become the 'there'that our community deserves." Bolin acknowledged the financial assistance
received from the Washington State legislature, which provided $3.1 million, and the federal government
which provided $2.5 million, for land acquisition and necessary infrastructure. In addition, Jefferson County
has awarded American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the City to assist in the master planning and
entitlement of the project. These contributions reduce the amount of subsidy needed to construct affordably
priced homes.
Director Bolin also thanked the hard work from the Evans Vista Technical Advisory Group who meets
periodically to provide guidance to the project team as well as Planning Commission, "It's rewarding to
discuss what we can accomplish with so many community partners early in the process so that this Master
Plan is built in a way we can all be proud."
For more information on Evans Vista Housing Development Master Plan, visit the project website:
htt s: cit of .t..us en a e .t a e evens vista lhousirn devell® rrrnent rrrna.ster Ian
250 Madison oirn Stireet - Suite 2. Pout'rownseind - WA 96369 1 www.crityofpLus
City0f
...... .............. .
. ....... . .......
Townsena
Read the Financial Sustainability Task Force report here:
8&meta id=21.681.6
For more about how the City is exploring strategies for infill and affordable housing visit:
htt s: cut fpt,mnw rp
!bp..?view id::::A&event id=3666&meta iid:::::21.5533
..... ..1j...... ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................
250 Madison Street - Suite 2. Poirt'rownseind - WA 983618 l www.cItyofpLus