PORT TOWNSEND — As the city engineering staff prepares to assemble a bid package for the removal and replacement of downtown sidewalks, local merchants are optimistic about the process.
“I’m a happy camper,” said Lehani’s Deli and Coffee co-owner Lynn LeMaster.
“I’m really impressed with the city’s effort in communicating with us,” she said.
“They’ve told us what to expect.”
LeMaster said she has “some apprehension” about a loss of business but feels that stores will be able to weather the inconvenience.
Writers Workshoppe co-owner Anna Quinn expressed similar optimism, noting the loyalty of Port Townsend shoppers.
“I’m concentrating on how it will look at the end,” Quinn said.
“It doesn’t make sense to focus on the negative because it’s out of our control.”
City staff will present a memo at the City Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday in council chambers at historic City Hall, 540 Water St., to discuss the bidding process.
Development Director Rick Sepler said the total cost will be identified through the bidding process but that much of the cost will be covered by three grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.
Shoring up sidewalks
Sidewalks along Taylor Street and on parts of Water Street will be shored up to compensate for “voids” — empty areas below them — that could collapse during earthquakes.
The estimated $2 million project will proceed in four phases.
The first phase of the process, which will be on Taylor Street between Water and Washington streets, is the most extensive.
It is scheduled to begin Feb. 6 and end May 4.
During the second phase, scheduled for Feb. 20 through March 9, a short section of Water Street between Adams and Quincy streets will be repaired.
The third phase, planned from April 2 to 20, will see the repair of two small sections of Water Street on both sides of the Tyler Street intersection.
The fourth phase will repair Taylor Street between Water Street and Union Wharf.
The project was planned to avoid the busiest retail season.
Underground wires
The city is taking the opportunity to move utility wires along Taylor Street underground, which along with the new sidewalk surfaces will change the appearance of the one-block commercial strip.
Quinn said she expected the relocation of the utility wires “will look great and make a real difference.”
Consultant Scott Sawyer met with several merchants individually and said he was able to reassure them about the project.
Some specific concerns had to do with maintaining access to the Admiralty Apartments and preserving a commemorative bench outside of The Rose Theatre, Sawyer said.
During the construction period, the area below the sidewalks will be an open ditch with bridges from the center of the street to store entrances.
Taylor Street, which is one way heading east, will be closed while Adams Street, which runs in the opposite direction, will probably become a two-way street for the duration, Sawyer said.
Sawyer said he expected the project to finish on time but that it wasn’t entirely up to the city.
“We still have to get federal permits, which could take longer than expected,” he said.
“We expect the utility work can be done on time, but if there are any serious storm events, we will be pushed to the back of the bus.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
