05/13/2024 - PacketCity of Port Orchard
Economic Development and Tourism Committee
May 13, 2024 9:30 am
Remote access only
Zoom Webinar Link
(this is for public access only - EDT Committee and Panelists use your individual links):
https:Hus02web.zoom.us/i/83306625864
Telephone: +1 253 215 8782
Webinar ID: 833 0662 5864
AGENDA
1. Committee Member Introductions
2. Stakeholder Discussion (see attachment)
PORT ORCHARD
DAY STREET MSOCPAT ION
March 28, 2024
Shaun Raja, Associate Planner
City of Port Orchard
216 Prospect St.
Port Orchard WA 98366
RE: Comprehensive Plan 2044 - Recommendations
Dear Shaun,
On behalf of the Port Orchard Bay Street Association (POBSA) Board of Directors, and the
Downtown Merchants, we want to thank you for including us in your community partner
outreach. We appreciate that you requested our input. We are respectfully submitting
recommendations, considerations and concerns for the City and in particular for the downtown
business corridor. These include long term projects, and a short list of things we'd like to be
sure are not overlooked in the planning process.
COMMUNICATIONS
• Better Communication from the City not only for downtown merchants, and business
owners but for the general public, residents and customers.
o A current example: the final work on the roundabout. Road closures and
reduced lane use significantly impacts downtown businesses. There is a lot of
anxiety that may be alleviated with information of what to expect.
• Another concern downtown business owners have is the timing for the road elevation
planned, across from the current Kitsap Bank Drive Thru. More information on that
timeline would be helpful. Also, it is clear that many residents do not understand urban
growth density, and growth management.
o How might we educate, spread the word better on why so much development
takes place right in the urban area of Port Orchard?
• We request and support a friendlier communicative response from City staff to existing
businesses, potential new businesses, developers, contractors etc.
o A tone that recognizes efforts and risks small business owners, contractors, and
developers take, and acknowledges that City staff serve the residents and
taxpayers.
• We would like to see better branding and promotion of the City by the City.
o Possibly a tagline and collaborative efforts to promote our downtown.
o We encourage the City to have a stronger, friendlier social media presence.
P. 0 Box 8581, Port Orchard WA 98366 pobsainfo@gmail.com
BEAUTIFICATION / MAINTENANCE
• We encourage and request an elevated level of service, and support in the downtown
core. With policies that support building owner's responsibility to keep their buildings/lots
maintained.
o If the City believes business owners are responsible for clearing drains or
sandbagging their businesses that needs to be communicated. The significant
flooding this past fall caught Public Works, and business owners unprepared.
• Beautification and Parks: We encourage a plan where the City takes over the planting,
watering, and maintenance of hanging baskets and planters along Bay Street. We also
encourage the development of a Parks Department in the City.
o POBSA maintained all responsibility for Christmas lighting, and hanging baskets
until the past few years. We still maintain the sidewalk planters. Because of
irrigation difficulties hanging baskets are no longer in place.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• Permitting: Occupancy Permits take a long time. We are aware of this not only for
downtown, but in other areas of the City. We understand the City is experiencing
some planning staffing shortages and higher workloads. We also understand some
service businesses require conditional use permits, which can add an additional 3
months to the permitting process.
o We support a reconsideration of conditional business permits and encourage
reducing, or streamlining these processes to reduce vacancies, and help
support business development. This reduces the financial risk small
businesses incur in setting up a new business in Port Orchard.
• Fees: We support further consideration of removing the transportation impact fees in the
downtown core.
• Mainstreet Collaboration: Support for POBSA to potentially transition to a Mainstreet
Association Organization in the coming years. This endeavor requires a significant
financial investment, and a reorganization, which would include hiring a paid Director.
o Perhaps a future Port Orchard Mainstreet Director could manage the Event
Center Building?
FUTURE PROJECTS
• Marquee: Merchants, business owners, and customers often ask about a Marquee
Replacement Plan/timeline. Poles are structurally unsound, marquee is attached to both
buildings and aging poles. We are aware this involves electrical/lighting. In the Marquee
replacement/improvement plans we'd like to see water lines included for an irrigation
drip system to water the hanging baskets and planters along Bay Street.
2
• Parking Options/Solutions: While we know a parking garage is a long term project we
would like to see the City provide more frequent communication with residents,
businesses owners, and the community at large with proposed future parking plans.
Especially with construction projects such as the sewer lift station.
o We are looking for a better way in which POBSA, and the City can alleviate the
perception that there is no parking in downtown Port Orchard.
We understand this is a significant `wish list' with some items that are long term or with no
quick solutions. In summary, those of us serving this organization, and all of our downtown
business owners, managers, and property owners love Port Orchard. We believe in the future
of Port Orchard and downtown. Thank you for the opportunity to submit recommendations for
consideration.
Regards,
Monika Adams, Alchemy Wellness Center
President, Port Orchard Bay Street Association
Board of Directors
• Sarah Johnson, Vice President, Serotonin Creative / Polaris Theater
• Ludy Garvin, Treasurer, Kitsap Bank
• Susan Lee, Secretary, Retired Kitsap Regional Library
• Coreen Haydock, Past President, Waterman Mitigation / The Dock Bar & Eatery
• Kathleen Wilson, Past President, Kitsap Regional Llbrary
• Irene Beckham, Past President, Irene's Photo & Design
• Christine Stansbery, Past Treasurer, Sidney Gallery & Museum
• Samantha Smith, Josephine's, Revival, The Mercantile Cafe
• Jared Fagan, Find The Path Books
• Sarah Butler, G.Anderson Group
• Jacob Wischof, Coffee Oasis
• Melanie Winnett, Create It Woodworks
3