PORT TOWNSEND — What’s wanted is an Upper Sims Way-area design that is consistent with business owners’ plans, that is safe for bicyclists and pedestrians and that preserves green space.
That is what most participants supported during two recent workshops conducted by consultants contracted by the city of Port Townsend.
“It’s the whole corridor that’s important,” was the message heard by John Owen, a partner with Makers Architecture and Urban Design.
Owen, who has long worked on waterfronts and public improvement and urban design projects, was joined Monday night by partner Stefani Lakey, a comprehensive improvement plan expert, to update the City Council on a project to plan Upper Sims Way’s future.
The project also focuses on the future of Howard Street near the Upper Sims Way/state Highway 20 entrance into the city.
“There’s not a lot of difference between a signal and a roundabout,” said Owen about that intersection.
Whether to choose a signal or a roundabout is ultimately up to the City Council.
Owen said residents are also concerned about the pedestrian crossing at McPherson Street.
He told council members that he and his associates plan to meet with state Department of Transportation officials, including those with Washington State Ferries, to get their comments on traffic plans.
The council recently fired off a letter to Gov. Chris Gregoire, complaining that Washington State Ferries officials were not taking their traffic concerns to heart while planning to expand the Port Townsend ferry terminal, which regularly dumps pulses of traffic onto Sims Way and Water Street.
Councilwoman Michelle Sandoval announced at Monday’s council meeting that state Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, invited Sandoval to meet with state officials to iron out the city’s issues with ferry officials.
At Councilman Geoff Masci’s request, Owen agreed to talk to focus groups to get more comments on the Upper Sims project.
