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04/30/2007: "SJICC Votes To Spearhead Town Improvement Plan"

(Architect Kevin Peterson -foreground- and Chamber members listen as King Fitch gives history of past improvement plans)

The San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce has voted to “lead the way” in drafting a plan to improve the overall look and use of the streets and sidewalks of Friday Harbor. This is not first time the Chamber has taken on the task, and it is not the first time that the Town has pointed out that major improvements cost money.

Town Manger King Fitch told the Chamber members that previous calls for downtown improvements had resulted in a published study and plan in 1981, but that it had not been adopted by the Town, either as an official or a guiding document. Fitch said the plan was what the Town could have looked like, had there been a political will on the part of the Town. He said that over time the improvements that have been made were inspired by the ideas in the ‘81’ study.

Mayor David Jones asked “who is going to pay” for improvements? He reminded the group that there are major projects scheduled that will be very expensive, and are required to be completed. With that good news as an introduction, Chamber member Kevin Peterson, an urban planner and licensed architect who has worked on large projects throughout the world, presented some conceptual drawings of various ways the downtown streets and sidewalks could be changed. Changes he said, that would make the town more attractive, while also making it more effective in handling vehicles and pedestrian traffic.



Peterson said that the question before the Chamber, is “what do we want our town to look like”, and “How do we put all the pieces together”? A wide ranging discussion followed, and a potential major problem was highlighted when it became apparent that at some point the streets would have to be torn up to install and repair the ageing infrastructure. Where, and when, that will take place, and how much will it cost are still unknown, but if the Town moves forward now on major improvements, will it all be torn-out when it comes time to re-build the infrastructure?

Gordy Peterson, owner of one of the larger sections of the downtown area, said he believed “we need to take baby steps.. install new light poles -one or two at a time…and address signage”, and not try to everything at once.

Former Town Councilman, and current County Councilman Howard Rosenfeld, addressed Mayor Jones’ concern, and said there “may be more interest in the plan if a way to pay for can be shown to the Town”. This led to discussions of money, where it comes from, and possible future sources.

As time ran out, the question was put to the floor: “Should the Chamber take the lead?” on doing a study of how the Town can be improved. A forest of hands made it clear the Chamber would soon be going to work. The question now is, will the Town follow?