PORT TOWNSEND — Port Ludlow residents raised objections or spoke in approval of a proposed revised plan for a Port Ludlow resort and marina expansion on Thursday.
About 40 people attended the public hearing at the Port Townsend Fire Hall.
Some felt the proposal could put the master planned resort status of the area in jeopardy if Jefferson County Hearing Examiner Irv Berteig, who conducted the hearing, approves the revisions.
“The problem I see with the proposal is that it’s not flushed out,” said Port Ludlow resident Les Powers, who has been entangled in litigation with developer Port Ludlow Associates over various development projects in the area.
“This could have the affect of disqualifying Port Ludlow as a master planned resort.”
Al Scalf, Jefferson County Department of Community Development director, said after the hearing that he doesn’t agree.
“It’s very far reaching to say Port Ludlow is in jeopardy of losing master planned resort designation,” Scalf said.
He said for that to happen, the Jefferson County commissioners would have to alter the comprehensive plan or change the development regulations.
The Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board then would have to strike the master plan resort designation.
Some residents spoke in support of the revised plan.
“I feel as if their current plans are for the benefit of Port Ludlow and I support that proposal,” said Port Ludlow resident Thomas Stone.
Many who spoke Thursday said the construction of an area called Admiralty III would infringe on their water views.
“These are two-and-one-half-story buildings and will certainly affect the views of the residents of Gamble Lane, which runs parallel to Oak Bay Road and Olympic Lane directly above Admiralty III,” said Port Ludlow resident Elizabeth Van Zonneveld.
A concern for many was that roads be wide enough for emergency vehicles to have access to all areas were residences are located.
Berteig left the written public comment period open until Dec. 15.
He will have 10 business days after that to consider whether or not to approve the revision.
