Port Orchard Council approves MOA for community event center sign and project funding

In the heart of Port Orchard, city council members gathered under the bright lights of city hall to discuss pivotal projects that promise to shape the community's future. Among the key topics was the approval of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) concerning the new community event center and Waterfront Plaza, a project that has garnered significant funding and attention.

The council approved the MOA with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and several other organizations, which includes plans for interpretive panels that will celebrate the site’s history as the former Kitsap Bank building. Director Bond emphasized the importance of adaptive reuse, noting that materials from the old bank will be incorporated into the new structure, particularly in the stair treads. This initiative not only preserves the past but also aligns with modern sustainability practices.

The project, funded in part by a $500,000 grant from the Recreation Conservation Office, will feature two new signs—one interior and one exterior—highlighting the building's historical significance. The total cost for these interpretive elements is estimated to be around $10,000, with funding sourced from the grant and public facilities district money, ensuring no burden on the general fund.

As the meeting progressed, the council shifted focus to transportation impact fees, a pressing issue as the city prepares for growth. With a consultant leaving soon, urgency filled the air as members discussed three alternatives for fee structures, which ranged from $7,000 to $10,000 per peak trip. The council aimed to find a middle ground, balancing project costs with community needs.

Council members were tasked with ranking twelve proposed projects, primarily located along Bay Street and downtown, to determine which should be prioritized. The discussions revealed a consensus on the importance of selecting projects that are both financially viable and essential for the community’s infrastructure. Council member Rose Pepe highlighted the need for practicality, advocating for a focus on projects that could be realistically funded and executed.

As the clock ticked down on the meeting, the council's deliberations underscored a commitment to thoughtful planning and community engagement. With the approval of the MOA and ongoing discussions about transportation projects, Port Orchard is poised to enhance its public spaces while addressing the needs of its growing population. The council's decisions today will undoubtedly shape the landscape of Port Orchard for years to come, blending history with modern development in a way that honors the community's roots.