PORT TOWNSEND — With emotional anti-corporate sentiment weighing heavily, a majority of City Council members agreed to consider passing an ordinance next week that heavily regulates so-called “formula stores.”
Proposed by a group of citizens associated with the Stop Hollywood Video organization, the ordinance aims to limit nonlocal chain stores to the city’s commercial district and keep them out of the historical areas.
About a dozen residents spoke before the council Monday night, decrying the threat of corporate franchises shutting down locally based retailers.
Several speakers said the ordinance does not go far enough to prevent chain stores from “turning Port Townsend into Silverdale.”
But a majority of residents at the meeting called on the council to act.
Port Townsend resident Arny Hansen said, “I urge you to pass this ordinance now,” instead of passing it from one committee to the other.
One resident spoke against the ordinance.
“I dislike the Wal-Mart and all the megastores very much,” said Joshua Bennun.
“I respect the work of the [ordinance authors], but I think we should leave it at that.
“We cannot regulate legal business. There are federal and state laws against that.”
On the fast track
Council members first considered sending the proposed ordinance to the Planning Commission for consideration and a recommendation.
Then some on the council said they wanted to expedite the process.
After the public comment, Councilwoman Freida Fenn made a motion to consider the ordinance for the first official reading — the first step toward making it law.
Councilman Kees Kolff seconded the motion.
But other council members cautioned not to rush such a complex matter.
The group finally compromised, saying it will consider the ordinance next week.
The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Waterman and Katz Building’s Cedar Room, 181 Quincy St.
