PORT TOWNSEND — Response to the Main Street program’s tax incentive campaign was so positive — with $38,000 raised — that agency officials expect to be able to support several community promotions and events during 2012.
“We are going to be expanding a lot of the things we are doing,” said Kitsap Bank branch manager Dominic Svornich, a Port Townsend Main Street board member.
“The Taste of Port Townsend will be expanded this year, along with the Concerts on the Dock, where we’ll be adding some vendors and offering some special performers,” Svornich said.
Of the $38,000 raised through the tax incentive program, which allowed contributing businesses to take credit on their B&O tax, Kitsap Bank donated $10,000.
Bank officials presented a symbolic check for that amount to the Main Street program Thursday.
“This contribution supports our plans to support the historic business districts and our community at large,” said Main Street President Heather Dudley Nolette.
“We will play a major role as advocates for downtown Port Townsend.”
Sidewalk work
Part of this will be a marketing effort to keep people coming downtown during the sidewalk lid replacement project, which begins next month.
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.
Inventory tool
An online business inventory tool to help businesses find real estate to expand or start new ventures is also under development.
In addition to Concerts on the Dock, Main Street sponsors the Downtown Open Space Tour, the Taste of Port Townsend and the Uptown Street Fair and Parade.
Port Townsend was one of three Main Street programs to benefit from a Kitsap Bank contribution.
The other two were Gig Harbor and Bainbridge Island.
“This tax credit is important because it gives businesses a chance to reinvest their B&O taxes into the community at large,” said Kitsap Bank Marketing Director Shannon Childs, who was on hand for the check presentation.
Childs said each city has chosen different priorities, with Gig Harbor supporting infrastructure and Bainbridge Island using the money to develop events.
“The tax incentive program represents a unique opportunity to keep all our tax dollars at home,” Nolette said.
“We are grateful to Kitsap Bank and all our other business contributors for investing in Port Townsend.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
