HomeMy WebLinkAbout031491 Min Ag ' Ff
Port Townselift
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o Vater St., Port Townsend, SVA 98368 206/385-3000
Meeting of March 14, 1991
Gateway Public Hearing
1. Roll Call
Chairman Ron Kosec opened the meeting at 7:40 p,m. other members
present were Sally McDol e, Jim Tavernakis, 'Jim Roberts, Alan
Carman, Lois Sherwood and Karen Erickson. Also present were
Planning and Building Director Michael Hildt, inner avid Robison
and Gateway project Consultant Don tastny Sttny & Burke
Architects..
I1. Approval of Minutes
Ms. Erickson moved to approve the minutes of Fbruary 21, 1991 .
s Mcoe seconded, Mr,, Tavernakis asked that the minutes be
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amended as follows:
Wien .. discussing Gateway there was some discussion that the plan
could take 5, 10 or maybe 20 years. There was some discussion that
no one part of the plan was more important than :the other, 1t was
also discussed that if funds were to run out that the overall value
f the plan would remain the same and the concept would remain the
same. some projects may come earlier than others depending on the
degree of difficulty.
Ms. Erickson moved to accept the minutes of February 28, 1991 as
distributed. Mr. Tavernakis asked for his comments to be accepted
s amendments to the minutes of February 21 , 1991 as distributed.
Ms, Erickson and Ms. McDole accepted the amendments to the motion
and the motion carried unanimously.
Ms. Erickson moved to adept the minutes of February 28, 1991,
Mr, Tavernakis asked that the minutes be amended. to state that Mr.
' avernakis asked Mr. Carman if any specific requirements for roads
existed in relation to schools, and that Mr. Car an responded that
e did not know. Ms. Erickson accepted the amendment to her
motion. Ms, McDole seconded and all were in favor.
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Planning Commission - March 1 , 1991
Gateway Development Plan
Page 2 of 9
Iv. old Business - Gateway
A. Planning Process - Michael Hildt
Mr. Hildt introduced the steering committee members in the
audience. Mr. Hildt outlined the goals of the Gateway Project:
1. Top Priority is Traffic Safety; 2. Economic Development and
Business Strength, to avoid economic leakage; 3 , To be an
attractive and inviting entrance to our community. The gateway
project started in 1988 following the Gateway Gharrette in April.
The Charrette produced the gateway report as a concept plan. Mr,
Hildt reviewed the projects that have been implemented as a result
of the Gateway Projects. If the concept is to work a speci f is plan
is necessary. The City hired Don Stastny to help develop this
plan. Some of the projects are less expensive and easier to do than
others. The plan holds a lot of long tern projects. The supplement
to the draft plan lists some of the places we might start. Mr.
Hildt thanked the businesses who have contributed to the success of
the process. He stated that the Gateway Corridor is made up of
districts.
Gateway Development Plan Review - Don Stastny
1. Forest Corridor
a, Overview - Mr. Don Stastny, of Stastny/Burke Architects and
Urban Designers, stated that Port Townsend is a town that cares a►
lot and has a lot of volunteers. Mr, Stastny reviewed some of the
ideas of the Gateway Development Plan. e reviewed the goals of
the project. Mr. Stastny stated that the citizens can design the
city - rather than just letting it grow. He stated the outside
perception of Port Townsend is that the city was carved out of the
wilderness; mare of the ideas in the plan are intended to enhance
this perception. Mr. Stastny suggested that the town could be
developed to have distinctive districts. There are a number of
natural features that divide and make the entrances arra exists to
the districts very distinct. Within the districts there are
"rooms" which have definitions. Mr. Stastny said that some
intersection realignments have been proposed: he stated that some
people have to give up things for the betterment of others. To
make these things happen it has to be a partnership between
property owners, the city and the state. Mr. Stastny stated that
there are alternatives to the realignments that are proposed but
these alternatives do not work as well . Mr. Stastny reviewed the
recommendations for each area of the district.
b. Community Perspective - Mr, Joe Wheeler, Steering Committee
Member, stated that the drive into the city at one time was a►
beautiful treed area even out in the county. There is still a
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Planning Commission - March 1 , 1991
Gateway Development Plan
Page
chance to preserve the treed areas in the gateway area. He stated
that in 1973 people started appreciating the community spirit and
many downtown buildings were restored. We now have the opportunity
to restore the community spirit of the historic district all the
way out the gateway corridor. There is a lot of potential in the
pian.
C, Audience Comments
Ted Helgard, business owner at 2322 Washington Street, stated that
there are a number of areas with bike paths along the roads, He
suggests that the location of bike paths be reconsidered so they d
not reach a "choke point' at the -Curves. He suggested that it be
shuttled off onto Discovery Day toad.
Lois Sherwood stated that one of the driving forces of the forrest
corridor was to preserve the trees and the beauty to the entrance
to the city.
Mr, stastny stated that the state highway requires that a► bike path
be along the side of the road. T trail system i s proposed between
the dill to what would be Haines street in the flats area.
Mora Porten asked if trees would have to be removed in the
district. Mr. Sta my responded no.
2. Upper- Commercial District
a. Overview - Mr. Stastny explained this district lies between the
Hilltop Tavern and the -Curves, Stasthy reviewed the
recommendations for the area. He stated that the ravines are
proposed to be preserved, and visually divide the district into
three different rooms. It is also proposed that properties in this
area plant trees in the rear of the property to eventually provide
forest hack drop. Also proposed is the realignment of the
McPherson/Thomas/Sims Tray intersection.
b. Community Perspective - Ms, Sherwood stated that the upper area
is a safety concern, she stated that this is the most apprehensive
area for the property owner's because it may affect there business.
Ms. McDole asked about the ravine by the ERA. Ms, Sherwood stated
that she thought it had been filled on the north side of the
highway at one time.
C. Comments
James Davis, 1431 Sherman, stated that if Thomas Street is vacated
near sirs Way his property will be cut off from access. some
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Planning Commission - March 14, 1991
Gateway Development Plan
Page 4 of
discussion followed. Mr. Davis stated that he understood that 4th
Street would be an access to the properties to the south of Sims in
this area. Mr, Stastny stated that this point needed to be
clarified.
Bonny Sherrell, antique store owner on Sims Way, stated the current
pian shows one driveway serving three business on the south side of
Sims Gray, and this appears to be a traffic hazards. She stated
that this makes matters worse. The street is proposed to be so
wide that there is no room for parking lots
John McGinn, John's Auto Supply, stated that he is very pleased at
the way the plan appears with the use of computer graphics, He
stated his support for raking the entrance to town look nice. 1f
the east end of his building is removed for parking he would like
to know what the parking plan would be, and would like to be able
to approve the plan. The plan also recommends that the city would
buy the I'Dis and Dat" portion of his building, and asked if the
city or he will then own the parking lot, Besides a rental space,
in that portion of the building storage and a machine shop also
exist. He asked how these things will be compensated and dealt
with. He would like to have all of the property owners concerns
addressed before the plan is forwarded to the City Council,
Ids. Koenig, property owner of laundromat, stated that if people are
waiting to get into the carwash the one driveway will be blocked
and backup to Sirs Way may occur, Ms, Sherwood stated that as
uptown property owner she has been fortunate to be able to use this
property although the area is owned by the state.
Mr. S astray reviewed the proposed realignment in the upper
commercial district near the Texaco/Stook Market/Sheridan
Intersection. The proposed realignment would be located in a flat
area rather than on the curve and slope, and Sheridan would connect
to Grant Street. The alternative to this realignment is to out
back the banks and try to improve the visibility at the corner,
C, Comments
Norm Sather stated that he operates the Texaco station. He stated
that the computer generated photo does not show curb outs. He
stated that he has seen these types of projects work and he has
seen examples where it does not work. It does not work when
businesses can not be accessed. He suggested that the
recommendations be more detailed. He recommended that the plan be
specific about the suggestions so that later the decisions do not
have to be made.
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Planning Commission March 14 , 1991
Gateway Development Plan
Page 5 of
Mr, Stastny stated that the intention to consolidate curbcuts.
All of the roadway improvements are within the state right of way.
B,J, Johnson, broker from Century 21 , stated that realigning
Sheridan is removing parking in the plaza. This would force a
total revamp of the existing century 21 building to access the
proposed new parking, She stated she saw no, advantage to this
rerouting.
John Pickett stated that he is not in favor of the proposed parking
below the century 21 building. Mr. Pickett stated that he would
like to have this situation studied more closely. Mr. Pickett
stated that he would like more time to address his points more
thoroughly,
, S-Curves
a. Mr. Stastny reviewed the S-Curves proposal.
be communit Perspective � Norm Denhoff stated that the intent is
to maintain the area as is because it is the premier area to Port
Townsend. He stated that this is the view spot in Port Townsend
that you remember when you cone to town. He stated that building
heights on the low side should be considered and plantings should
take views into consideration.
C, Questions or Comments - None
4, Flats District
a, overview - Mr, Stastny stated that this is the area you get
the feel to Port Townsend, A major traffic conflict noir exists at
Haines Street. A street is proposed through the Safeway Parking
lot with a light at Sims then across to Haines Street, Mr. Stastny
stated that inserting one signal does not really help, but a system
of signals will allow a break in traffic
b. community Perspective Jeff Hamm, stated that when
implementing the project some things will be more difficult than
others. Some things will happen more quickly. Mr. Hamm stated
that this realignment may be a demonstration project. Safeway i
in favor- of this project., The light would improve the public
transit route. A lot of players can benefit from this project
including the ferry system.
Mr, Stastny further reviewed the proposed plans.
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Planning Commission - Larch 14, 1991
Gateway Development Plan
Page 6 of
C, comments
Mr. Bob Harper stated that he served on the Gateway Steering
Committee. His highest concerns were the speed limit and the
Kearney Street intersection. Mr. Harper stated that he is referred
to as Texaco on page 105 rather than Shell and that he questions
that 135 cars will fit on the existing ferry dock. He suggested
that the free right turn be eliminated from Kearney Street to Sirs
Way,
David Carruthers stated that it feels like ,the cars are being
shuttled downtown and are bypassing the businesses on the flats.
John Buhler stated his concern about access to the Port area. This
plan proposes no left turn would be allowed, leaving town, until
getting to Benedict Street. Some discussion followed. Mr. Buhler
pointed out the text on the bottom of page 101, Mr. Stastny stated
that the text will need to be clarified.
Ted B lgard echoed Mr. Buhler's concern about ingress and egress to
the Port area, He stated that he would be greatly disturbed i
access to the area were removed.
Eric Dobson stated that he concurred with Mr, Belgard. He asked
ghat the Kearney Street Blockade experiment was. Mr. Hi ldt
responded that this came from the charrette. It is difficult for a
car coning out of Benedict to take a left onto Sims Way. The idea
is to blockade the free right turn from Kearney Street to provide
a break in the traffic.
Marie Hoffman, owner of video Plus, stated her appreciation to the
Steering committee. She stated that the plan shows landscaping
where her existing parking is. She wants to insure that this
property remains as parking. She stated her concern over the
access to her business and to access up the hill on Washington.
She also pointed out some discrepancies on Page 101, Mr, Sta to
stated that some corrections on this Page must be made. She also
stated her concern for pedestrian safety along the bluff area.
JoAnne Edwards for Interwest Savings Bank stated her concerns about
restricting access. Making Gaines Street one-way would make access
difficult and would increase access problems. She stated that
Interwest has contributed a great deal to purchase the triangle in
that area.
Nis. Sherrell stated that access is very limited to the businesses
n the south side of Sims Way.
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Planning Commission - March 14, 1391
Gateway Development Plan
Page 7 of
James Davis asked who will pay for installing the underground
electrical systems* Mr. Hildt responded that Puget Power has
stated that this would be a great systems benefit and will pay for
portion, How much is not clear. Mr. Davis asked if storm drains
would be incorporated 'n this pian. Mr. Hildt stated that as
construction happens storm drains should be taken into account.
Mr. Ramey congratulated the Commission on the hard work done on
Gateway project. He stated that he has concerns about access to
the Penny Saver, and would like to see more detail in the plan in
this area.
Nora Porter stated that the Port area is beginning to develop
plastic shanty town look which might be addressed as an aesthetic
concern in the plan,
Marie Hoffman stated that some clarification should be made as to
the access in the Benedict area.
. Bluff corridor Area
. Overview - Mr. Stastny stated that the obvious problem is
being stuck between a rock and a hard place, Mr, stastny stated
that measurements indicate that three lanes can be developed in
this area.
Marie Hoffman stated there is an added danger with the falling
rocks.
b. Community Perspective - Peter Badame stated that this area is
partiularly dangerous for pedestrians. There is a serious need
for a Walkway, The water street section of the plan takes into
account the que of the fern traffic. The existing queuing area on
the existing dock is a boat and one-half. Access to the existing
businesses is very important. Mr. Badame stated that this may be
ars area that will allow some immediate actions.
C, comments
Marie Hoffman stated that the tine store and the restaurant in the
area are very busy businesses which creates a lot of traffic,
Ms. sherrell stated that it was her understanding that the tine
store would be moving.
Mr, Hildt stated that because on-street parking is so low in this
area that likely an extra amount of off-street parking would be
required for new development.
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Planning Commission - March 14 , 1991
Gateway Development Plan
Page 8 of
Nora Porter stated that in the past the ticket seller sola the
tickets car to car and avoided the queuing problem. Some
discussion followed with Mr. Badame.
General Comments and Questions
Stan Newcomb stated that some of the concepts for the commission to
consider: 1. Think aboui customer convenience, visibility will be
blocked by trees, need signage to provide advance warning for
businesses, ingress and egress should be scrutinized.
Ms, Sher-rel l stated that as an example Jack Pot has two accesses
now. If they cut it down to one this makes a problem for larger-
vehicles.
Jeff Hamm, steering committee member, stated his hope that the
whole Gateway Project not get sunk while addressing individual
concerns. The Gateway Corridor is now dangerous and ugly* The
intent is not to deny access to any businesses but some accesses
must be consolidated. It is important to make shopping a► more
comfortable place, and enhance the overall quality the gateway
corridor.
D, Implementation and Financing Strategy -Dave Robison
Mr* Robison thanked Mr. Stastny for his work on the plan. He
stated that the plan is the concept, the blueprint for the action,
this plan could be a 20-year process to be accomplished in a chunk-
by-chunk basis. The guiding light in the implementation and
financing strategy is that the city, state and property owners must
work together. Where are many projects that can happen right away.
The Steering Committee has tried to design this as voluntary.
Nis. Erickson wanted to clarify that pages 101 and 102 neem some
work. Mr, stastny stated that the language on these pages neer
some work and will be clarified. Ms. Erickson asked to see some
detailed maps of the key intersections, Ms. Erickson asked what
the distance between the existing and proposed stop light at the
Sheridan street intersection would be. Mr. stastny stated the
difference would be about Zoo feet. Some discussion followed over
the safety of the Sheridan street intersection.
Mr. Tavernakis asked Mr, stastny if coordinating the lights may
help the traffic, He also asked about the loth street situation
and asked for some discussion on this in the future.
Mr, Kosec asked if the light at McPherson would help the Hancock
Street traffic. Mr, Stastny responded that it would by pl tooning
traffic*
.5
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Planning Commission - March 14, 1991
Gateway Development Plan
Page
Nis. Sherwood moved to continue the hearing to March 21 , 1991 .
Mr. Iosec asked if there was any further testimony. There was no
response. Mr. cosec closed the public testimony.
Some discussion f 611owed. Nis. Erickson recommended that the
discussion and testimony be continued, Ms. Sherwood stated that
lot of the issues in the plan are conceptual and are not set in
stone, and manor decisions will cone down to the parties concerned,
Some discussion followed over the need to tape testimony on design
review.
John of John's Auto stated he has concerns about the particular
situation at the McPherson Street intersection.
Ms. Erickson seconded and all were in favor of continuance of the
public hearing,
Ms, Sherwood moved for adjournment.
The meeting was adjourned at 10: 50 p. .
Darlene Bloomfield
Planning Commission secretary
5
City of Port Townseln
Planning Commission
540 Nater St., Port Townsend, VSA 98368 2061385-3000
AG;IFND21&
Regular Meeting March 14, 1991
I
I . ROLL CALL-------—ma----------- 7: 30 P,M,
II, APPROVAL of MINUTES: Dated February 21, and February 28 ,
III . COMMUNICATIONS:
A. current mail
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. Gateway Review and Public . Testimony (Robison/Ststny
V, NEW BUSINESS - None
VI . ANNOUNCEMENTS: Text Scheduled Meetings
Mrch 21 , 1991
A. Gateway Recommendation to City Council
(Staff: Robison
Larch 28, 1991
A. Rezone Application, 9011-03 , City of Port Townsend
(Committee: Erickson/Tavernak.is) (Staff:Robison
, Conditional. Use Permit, City of Port Townsend
(Committee: Erickson/Tavernakis) (Staff:Robison
C, Conditional. Use Permit, 5912-0 , Doug and Nancy Lamy
(Committee: MoDole/Carman) (Staff: Se ler
D. Short Plat Text Amendment (Staff* Seler
E. officer Elections
April 111. 1
A. Street vacation A pli ation, 101 - , Alike Marson/Lee
Wilburn (Committee. Roberts/Erickson) (Staff. Se ler
B# Street vacation Application, 9101-10, Virginia Dignan
to
p i
I
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(Committee: Erickson/Sherwood) Sepler
iC. Conditional. Use Permit, 9102--01, Inn Deering
(Committee: Roberts/M Dole) (Staff: Sepler
D. Variance Application, 9102- , Robert L. Force
(Committee: Taverna is/Carman) (Staff: . Sepler
ADril 25, 1991
EB,
Street Vacation Application, 9102-0 , George and
Shirley PetersonCommittee: Ca man/ ricl son Staff: Bloomfield Variance Application, 9102- , Robert , . McDole
(Committee: Sherwood/Roberts) (Staff: Bloomfield)
C. Conditional Use Permit, 9012-03 , William White
(Committee: Taverna is/Cannan) (Staff: Sepler
FMMa Y 9 1.99 .
A. Subdivision Application, 9009-03 , Parkview, Vantage
Homes (Committee* Ta 'ernakis/Sherwood) (Staff: Sepler
I1 , ADJOURN
(A revised agenda will be distributed at the -°meeting}
y
GATEWAY DEVEWPMENT ]ALAN
PLANNING COMMISSION HEARI1 G
MARCH 1 , 1991
, o PM
AGENDA
1. PLANNING PROCESS - Michael Hildt
2. GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW - Don Stastny
A. FOREST CORRIDOR
. 1. Overview - Don Stastny
• 2. Community Perspective - Joe wheeler
. Audience Comments & Questions
B. UPPER COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
1. Overview - Don Stastny
. Community Perspective - Lois Sherwood
I Audience Comments & Questions
C. S-CURVES CORRIDOR
1. Overview - Don Stastny
2. Community Perspective - Norm Denhoff
3. Audience Comments & Questions
D. FLATS DISTRICT
1. Overview - Don Stastny
2. Community Perspective - Jeff Haman
I Audience Comments & Questions
E. BLUFF CORRIDOR
1. Overview - Don Stastny
2. Community Perspective - Peter adan"e
. Audience Comments & Questions
�. I GENERAL AL COMMENTS & QUESTIONS - Ron Losec
. . IMPLEMENTATION AND FINANCING STRATEGY - Dave Robison
A. GATEWAY PRIORITIES
B. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
C. RECOMMENDED FINANCIAL STRATEGY
D. KEEPING OPPORTUNITIES ALIVE
Guest List zl
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GATEWAY E LAN
PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING
MARCH 14, 1991
.3o PM
AGENDA
. PLANNING PROCESS - Michael Hildt
2. GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW - Don Stastny
A. FOREST CORRIDOR
1. Overview - Don Stastny
2. Community Perspective - Joe wheeler ,
I Audience Comments & Questions
B. UPPED COMMERCIAL MERCIAL DISTRICT
1. Overview - Don Stastny
2. Community Perspective - Lois Sherwood
3. Audience Comments & Questions
C. S-CURVES CORRIDOR
1. Overview - Don Stastny
2. Community Perspective - Norm Denhoff
3. Audience Comments & Questions
D. FLATS DISTRICT
1. Overview - Don Stastny
. Community Perspective - Jeff Damm
3. Audience Comments & Questions
E. BLUFF CORRIDOR
1. Overview - Don Stastny
2. Community Perspective - Peter adanrne
. Audience Comments & Questions
3. GENERAL COMMENTS & QUESTIONS - Ron Kosec
4. IMPLEMENTATION AND FINANCING STRATEGY - Dave Robison
A. GATEWAY PRIORITIES
B. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS
C. RECOMMENDED FINANCIAL STRATEGY
D. KEEPING OPPORTUNITIES TITIES ALIVE