PORT ANGELES — The newest Port of Port Angeles commissioner made a surprise suggestion during Monday’s port meeting — move the Port Angeles Boat Haven to the former Rayonier mill site.
Boat Haven and the parking and businesses that serve it cover about 25 acres in the middle of the port’s commercial waterfront area, an area that Commissioner Paul McHugh said can be better used by commercial functions that provide living-wage jobs.
“It’s better incorporated in a plan for the Rayonier site,” referring to property owned by Rayonier at the end of Ennis Street, McHugh said.
McHugh described the changes to the commercial area on Marine Drive west of downtown Port Angeles as, “the progressive gentrification of the waterfront.”
Commissioner Jim Hallett commented that the Rayonier land was difficult to acquire and that there are several entities with interest in the land.
“If you can wave your magic wand and this area become available, I’m willing to have that conversation, too,” Hallett said.
Concepts being developed for the 75-acre Rayonier site include other tourism and people-based concepts, such as a historical museum dedicated to the Salish village that was once located on the site.
The marina and businesses serving fishermen and boaters would fit well with other proposed uses, McHugh said.
Other commissioners agreed to consider the concept, and noted that the Rayonier site area that could be used for port functions is also about 25 acres.
“I’m a change agent,” Commissioner John Calhoun said, adding that he would be more than willing to continue discussions on the concept.
The overall harbor cleanup of chemicals that remain after the removal of the Rayonier pulp mill will be a major priority of the port’s strategic plan for the next five years, Calhoun said.
As that plan is implemented, relocating the marina could be considered, he said.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
