PORT TOWNSEND — Although none of the required city permits has been issued, an upwelling of opposition to a Hollywood Video store coming to Port Townsend is more than 1,500 signatures strong.
The “Stop Hollywood Video” campaign is reminiscent of local residents who in 1999 successfully deterred Rite Aid from opening a drugstore in Port Townsend.
“Whether this is a Rite Aid or a Hollywood Video, this community has spoken loud and clear this is not the type of business we want here in town,” said Ian Hinkle, spokesperson for the loosely knit citizens group that had gathered 1,515 signatures of residents who say they oppose a Hollywood Video at a former lumberyard.
“What we’re concerned about is large-scale big box stores impacting family-operated businesses,” said Hinkle.
The city Development Services Department last fall received a sign permit application from Hollywood Video to install a sign on a commercial building at 2219 E. Sims Way.
Crossroads district
The building is located in what planners call “the crossroads district” at the intersection of Kearney Street and Sims Way. The area is zoned for general commercial uses.
Separate from the sign permit application, No Wine Left LLC, the company owning the property, applied for a permit to allow it to renovate the building and rent it out to businesses.
“They haven’t gotten a permit yet,” said Jean Walat, city planner.
