PORT TOWNSEND — The City Council delayed a decision Wednesday night on a request to rezone property off upper Sims Way to make way for a 20,000-square-foot distribution center.
Kenneth Kelly wants to build the structure to house his Victorian hardware distribution and sales businesses, currently based in San Jose, Calif.
The delay followed a public hearing on the matter.
About 50 people attended the meeting.
Most supporters of the rezoning favored the action as a way to attract jobs and economic development.
“We do need jobs,” county Economic Development Council President Lloyd Cahoon said. “Let’s not lose this guy.”
Kelly said that within two years, his distribution center would employee at least 20 people with “living-wage” jobs.
Opponents said the distribution center shouldn’t be built so close to the residential neighborhood encompassing Hancock and Third streets.
Resident Jeff Kelety said he supports bringing Kelly’s business to the city, but not to the specified location.
“If jobs are so important to us, let’s not do it on the backs of this neighborhood,” he said.
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