PORT TOWNSEND – A property rights group has formed to fight a proposed redesign of Upper Sims Way and creation of a taxing district to finance the project.
“We have a goal of ensuring there is no creation of a [local improvement district] or taking of any property for the project without just compensation,” said Jim Boyer, who is developing high-density homes on Sixth Street just north of Upper Sims and Vintage Hardware.
Boyer said he and his business partner, Hugh Jenings, have formed a chapter of Citizens Alliance for Property Rights with about 30 members.
Citizens Alliance for Properlty Rights was originally formed by former King County commissioner Steve Hammond, and has chapters in San Juan and Pierce counties.
A meeting of the group is set for 1 p.m. Monday at Vintage Hardware, 200 W. Sims Way.
Boyer said that city leaders have ignored the Upper Sims Way-area business and property owners who are opposed to a proposed Sims Way makeover.
The Port Townsend City Council approved roundabouts on Sims in June after receiving a petition carrying signatures of more than 1,000 who opposed having roundabouts instead of traffic lights.
The council has taken no action on other elements of the proposed project, which would cost an estimated $5 million to $6 million.
The roundabouts would be at Howard and Thomas streets. Between them is proposed a solid median down the middle of Sims. Left turns would be allowed at Cliff Street toward the north and at Alder Street to the south.
Uncontrolled left turns on Upper Sims, which are widely supported by business owners, are not supported by the state Department of Transportation, which will help with funding the Sims Way project.
The council has taken no action on Sims median, parking or pedestrian access proposals.
