PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County’s people-moving agency could have a new transit center this year if land purchase negotiations go as Jefferson Transit Authority officials envision.
“As of right now the site is final,” Jefferson Transit General Manager Dave Turissini said Tuesday about the 10-acre site at the corner of state Highway 20 and Four Corners Road. The site is owned by Pam Pepper.
Turissini said a property appraisal expected in the next week, negotiations, positive environmental reviews and no objections from Transit Authority Board members would likely lead to the property acquisition.
The transit chief made his remarks during a Transit Board meeting when Black Bear Road homeowner Gretchen Wambach inquired about the site selection.
Concerns about site
In a letter this week to Turissini, Wambach expressed concerns about the transit center, which would house bus parking and maintenance facilities and transit offices.
“To bring this commercial building and business, the increased traffic, noise and lighting (practically in my backyard) to this area, will completely change what SR 20 is,” Wambach writes.
“It unfortunately makes sense that once a neighborhood/road changes and commercial properties begin showing up — more will follow.”
Turissini said lighting could be controlled at the site. Transit Authority Board members have also expressed the need for a traffic light at the already dangerous Highway 20-Four Corners intersection.
