PORT TOWNSEND — A group of citizens connected with Stop Hollywood Video’s grass-roots movement is calling for a city ordinance to limit where chain stores can be located in the city.
The proposed ordinance’s authors — retired lawyer David Goldman and film maker Ian Hinkle — hope the City Council will discuss the proposal shortly after council members prioritize their quarterly agenda.
The council is scheduled to open its citizen comment “in box” during its April 4 meeting and set priorities.
A draft of the proposed ordinance, based on a Bainbridge Island model, had been submitted to the city’s in box, Goldman said.
“We anticipate a positive reception on the part of the city council,” Goldman said.
The proposal aims to regulate the size, mix and location of Port Townsend “formula” stores, a technical term for chain stores, said Goldman.
If passed, it would confine standardized chain stores to the commercial district along Sims Way, from the city entrance to the ferry terminal, Goldman said.
It would also allow only one formula retail store on one lot at a time.
“The reason for this legislation is our concern that he entire gateway to Port Townsend could become a strip mall,” said Goldman.
“Port Townsend is cut from a very different piece of cloth.”
