PORT TOWNSEND — When it comes to fixing downtown’s dangerously old sidewalks and upgrading the area with streetscape designs, business owners, merchants and residents ask for improved accessibility, a better pedestrian experience and for maintaining downtown’s integrity without getting too “slick” about it.
Those were among the stronger messages delivered to Port Townsend city and contracted facilitators during a streetscape charrette Tuesday morning at the Pope Marine Park Building off Water Street at City Dock.
About 60 turned out to listen and comment on future downtown streetscape work scheduled to begin next year.
“We have a remarkable opportunity based on the trouble with our sidewalks,” said city Planning Director Rick Sepler, referring to walkways that need replacement on Taylor Street between Water and Washington streets.
While city officials are planning that work, they want to hear what the public wants, hiring Terry Reckord with MacLeod Reckord Landscape Architects, who helped Sepler facilitate the charrette.
The event was sponsored by the city and Port Townsend Main Street Program.
The city has secured a $3 million Federal Emergency Management Administration grant for replacement of sidewalks. Some are buckled and some lack reinforcement.
Sepler said that, although it is not known yet where work would begin, once it begins, it will be done block by block.
Another charrette is expected to be set at night in the next six weeks, he said, to get more public ideas.
“I think the collaboration is working so far, and it is going to get better,” said Susan Windle, Port Townsend Main Street president.
She said her only concern was that Washington Street — where her business, Forest Gems, is located at the corner of Adams Street — be remembered in the city’s streetscape plans.
Other comments presented at the charrette:
• Take a respectful, wholistic and cohesive approach to downtown improvements.
• Keep in mind green practices involving mobility and traffic circulation.
• Balance uses.
• Enhance the downtown relationship to the shoreline and preserve waterfront beach pockets.
• Maintain design and functionality.
• No parking loss. Increase it, if possible.
• Use Wayfinding signage for smart phones.
• Maintain art funding.
• Use creative marketing.
• Remember safety.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
