SEQUIM — A landlord is giving rental help to nearly two dozen businesses as coronavirus regulations and fears grow across the state.
Dick McNish, owner of Sequim Village Shopping Center at 651 W. Washington St., and buildings at 271 S. Seventh Ave., told his property manager, Michelle Ridgway with Sun Valley Realty, that in light of the economic uncertainty ahead with the coronavirus, he wanted to forgive rent for 22 businesses in April.
McNish will forgive $59,004 in rent and common area maintenance fees for the buildings he’s owned since 1992.
Ridgway said she spoke with McNish last Friday and he felt people had enough to worry about with the virus and the economy.
“He wanted to give some relief,” she said.
McNish owns buildings that house popular Sequim eateries, retailers, a church, and many more.
“Everyone has been appreciative and it helps a lot,” Ridgway said.
Staff at Sunny Farms Supplement Store were excited to hear the news. Store manager Theresa Roe said they’ve “been more than busy” and “doing our best to keep shelves stocked” as health concerns grow.
Landlord Dick McNish told renters for Sequim Village Shopping Center that he is forgiving rent for the month of April in light of the limitations the coronavirus has put on local retailers. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
They, like a number of other nearby retailers, offer phone orders for curbside pickup or mail delivery, and they’ve marked 6-foot social distancing spaces with tape throughout the store.
Steve Smith, a real estate broker for Sun Valley Realty, said McNish forgiving rent “gives some relief” to retailers and is something positive in these times.
The 22 businesses between McNish’s properties include Mariner Cafe, Harrison’s Footwear, Properties by Landmark, Inc., Good Impressions Cleaners and Laundry, Sunny Spa LLC., Sun Valley Realty, The Gateway Church of Sequim, Sunny Farms Supplements, Sweet Spot Sequim Inc. (Frozen Yogurt), Strongpoints Fitness LLC., Full Moon Candle Company, Morning Star Skin Care and Waxing, Hair by Chris Glas, Olympic Area Agency on Aging, Sequim Community Broadcasting (KSQM 91.5 FM), Oak Tree Fine Furniture (5th Avenue Furniture), Rodda Paint Company, Lucky Nail Salon, Sequim Sewing Center (Karen’s Quilt Shop), Sergio’s Mexican Restaurant Inc, Sawadee Thai Cuisine and JCPenney.
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Matthew Nash is a reporter with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach him at mnash@sequimgazette.com.
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Multiple businesses across from JCPenney will not have to pay rent in April in an effort to reduce stress during the coronavirus outbreak. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
