It will likely have the most significant impact on the character of the local waterfront since the development of the Port of Edmonds marina.
Once the ferry dock moves to the new location south of the marina, the present ferry holding lanes, Harbor Square, the Waterfront Antique Mall shopping area (the “old Safeway property”) and some smaller parcels will, as a group, be candidates for change.
Everyone I have spoken with, without exception, feels that redevelopment of the area — whatever it might eventually be — should be in the public interest. The opportunity to further enhance the character of Edmonds is unequaled.
If you have read any of the news articles, columns or letters to the editor on the topic, you are aware that the early organizational process for the Edmonds Waterfront Redevelopment Plan has been underway for six-to-eight months now.
A local study group, of which the port has been a part, has been meeting to discuss the outline of the project. We have been working cooperatively to bring it to the point where public engagement will be most productive. The preliminary market and financial analyses have been done and we have identified the economic considerations most likely to yield success in a project of this scope.
Edmonds Mayor Gary Haakenson was appointed spokesman by the group. He handles all communications regarding what it has been doing. As the public part of the process unfolds in late July, the mayor will be turning over the spokesman role to the port and I have been selected the new point person.
To incorporate local citizens into the process, our immediate task is to assemble 25–30 local residents and business owners interested in providing input on design criteria and what they would like to see on the waterfront. We are expressly seeking representation from a variety of interests.
Committee candidates must be residents of Edmonds or Woodway or own a business here. Notice has been out for over a week now and the deadline for application is upon us. The time limit is 5 p.m. Friday, June 22. At press time we already have several applicants.
I urge anyone interested in serving on this citizen task group to contact the Port of Edmonds office immediately at 425-774-0549. (At this late hour, contacting us by telephone is the most practical way to do it.)
Applicants will need to be available to participate in three evening meetings on Thursday, July 19; Thursday, July 26; and Monday, July 30. A formal letter will specify the times and locations after members of the group are selected early next week.
This committee is only the first step in a multi-step public process. For those who are chosen, it will be an opportunity to be a part of developing a plan that will affect the city of Edmonds far into this century.
Chris Keuss is executive director of the Port of Edmonds.
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