Edmonds is getting ready for a facelift. The future character of the area between the waterfront and the downtown shopping district — including Harbor Square and the Antique Mall properties — has been under review for several months now.
It seems to be a “hot” topic as many residents have stopped me on the street, asking what is happening. I can report that things are definitely moving along. Next week the public involvement process shifts into high gear when a storefront exhibit will open and the alternatives will be posted on the Internet. Downstream, a public input session has been scheduled.
You will soon be able to see some of the materials and plans that have been under discussion by the property owners and a select citizen group at the Port’s Web site, www.portofedmonds.org. Click on Harbor Square/Antique Mall Program.
The materials will also be available in Harbor Square at 120 W. Dayton, room B-4, starting Monday (Sept. 17). The display will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. Exhibits and other materials on the various alternatives will be available, as well as an overview of the progress of the redevelopment plans. Most importantly, you will be able to comment on what you are seeing. I plan on being there to answer your questions whenever possible.
A major public input session will be held on Thursday, Oct. 4, from 2 to 7 p.m., in the Brackett room — on the third floor of City Hall. The architect will make short presentations at 3 p.m. and again at 6 p.m. You will see several proposed alternatives he has prepared and will be able to share your comments with him.
Down on the Antique Mall corner you may have noticed a large trailer where the owner of the Mall area is sponsoring a design competition with a total of $15,000 in prize money for the best designs. Visit the trailer for more information or go to their Web site, www.edmonds2030.com.
I encourage you to stop by one or more of these sites and take advantage of this opportunity. Personal involvement by the citizenry is essential as we work together to develop a design that will impact the look and character of this evolving area for 75 years or more. For you, it is an unprecedented chance to directly influence Edmonds’ future.
Chris Keuss is executive director of the Port of Edmonds.
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