[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6172103,"mediaKeyId","5392443-141b6ad0d41e1ce59cf990d8c4424629","parentId",5392443,"title","Residents raise safety and notification concerns about ferry upland improvements, downtown parking and pickleball noise","audioSeconds",311,"startMs",941000,"endMs",1252000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392443-141b6ad0d41e1ce59cf990d8c4424629&start=941&end=1252","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392443-141b6ad0d41e1ce59cf990d8c4424629/thumbnail_941000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6172103/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Residents-raise-safety-and-notification-concerns-about-ferry-upland-improvements-downtown-parking-and-pickleball-noise","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172103-e79d97e826e597ab0408340152504af9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158202&Signature=kexDX0Z0Usr6fTrmUMlajwY-swICTOkVySvTOLaagO1kHAPJxqov0~-nioBxOJS2hAphTCdyVQEgNinZZrmioNKJ5bRR1fTAxzybKrYrJJcniKp6XT~JHVvPYyV35okqDbMqMMOe~DDLDQmHQ6UYsXhjK9KpBtR2pBnYIdwUAd2BuD5Zn2ci12wzDtSCRCLsQrUkS1k4raMwihpCasGktvDsKFOwfOxDari4lv5F5SZheMM8-LKMkFpXdM8GqA5tkf0EWLpQ9BM8-sKd8h04kXGiBW-OoixzPGzMUdvD4Oizwvs9HH5fUG2rbEB-VzaM6iZM6JXeUHMgdlrVB7JPZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Anacortes, WA","date","2025-07-15T02:25:49Z","article","Neighborhood residents told the Anacortes City Council on July 14 they are worried about safety, notification and parking impacts tied to ferry upland improvements and nearby recreation projects.

Boschie Morris, a Seventh Street resident, showed council members a photograph of an aid vehicle and said narrow pavement at the Sixth and I intersection and on nearby streets leaves only about 23 feet of paved surface. \"The pavement on that street goes from the forward edge of your desk to the forward edge of your desk. In that space of about 23 feet that's paved is expected to be 2 ongoing traffic lanes and 2 parking areas,\" Morris said, warning that recent diagonal parking and vehicle counts create safety and access problems.

Another resident, Malcolm McCutcheon of 1613 Seventh Street, described repeated instances of diagonal parking that overhang sidewalks and block visibility. \"So they hang out over the street and hang out over the sidewalk,\" McCutcheon said, and asked the council to consider permit parking to protect residents and pedestrian safety after the ferry lot loses spots due to upland improvements.

Both residents said that the city’s 300-foot (or 300-yard as cited by a speaker) radius notification did not reach several homeowners directly affected by the proposed upland improvements, and that posted signs and newspaper blurbs are not sufficient notice for many neighbors who use interior streets rather than the intersection where notices were posted.

Morris also raised concerns about pickleball courts sited near homes on J Avenue and said some adjacent homes were not included in sound or notification outreach. He urged the parks department and proponents to include immediate neighbors in outreach and to revisit how sound travel was modeled for the courts.

Council response and context: The council did not take immediate action during public comment but heard the residents’ request to ensure adequate notice and consider permit parking or other mitigations before the upland improvements proceed. The city previously announced the Commercial Avenue complete streets project and other construction items; staff and the council will consider neighborhood safety and outreach as specific improvement plans return for review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Anacortes - City Council Meeting (7/14/25)","oneSentenceSummary","Neighborhood residents told the Anacortes City Council on July 14 they are worried about safety, notification and parking impacts tied to ferry upland improvements and nearby recreation projects.","taxTitle","Anacortes, Skagit County, Washington","taxId",51056,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6172109,"Council delays action on Fidalgo pool district ballot measure amid questions over levy language and scope",1818,2774000,4592000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392443-141b6ad0d41e1ce59cf990d8c4424629&start=2774&end=4592","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392443-141b6ad0d41e1ce59cf990d8c4424629/thumbnail_2774000.jpg","/articles/6172109/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Council-delays-action-on-Fidalgo-pool-district-ballot-measure-amid-questions-over-levy-language-and-scope","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172109-110abe2f2ca3f4269961387c4b88edd9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158202&Signature=I7MO-ZMBtx1HnaZzk6e1fLMqGPutPRzhFQdl3DI7rfnOluUrRhrgfbRuL5TkiNZOv81TXqNoOMsYDnJKsC8pKk7dnYZNGsQcGvd5uDcnZE2-Y~Rkgbv3IasSkqlRdNmTej-DjbrJoW97Az3B-cpRaOUkt9V8NKjubpjv3zQkUCGbi2Q-~T1SspSMNa76Ojzfe-oCcMa07MrwnxwfcioALJYEV3uWlmxGjfJrJiWEeL0HBAVcPpS4FLqGLPt3olIMLg4aP53rFoG1oelyZCRUPma-5JjzcRVfU1OWb7bZWFSkkX~sGhiF9qRJ8x7PoDmJpcuLQNwnbBou3ydp5cWp0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Anacortes City Council on July 14 discussed but did not approve an interlocal agreement and ballot resolution that would ask Skagit County voters to create a Fidalgo Metropolitan Recreation District covering the Anacortes School District.

The city staff item would have the city file a joint proposition with Skagit County asking voters on the Nov. 4 general election ballot whether to form a recreation (metropolitan) district governed by a five-member elected board; the district’s taxing boundary would match the Anacortes School District. Under the proposal the parks district would prepare and pay election costs and the city would adopt the resolution placing the measure on the ballot.

Why it matters: Supporters say the change would broaden the funding base and secure long-term support for Fidalgo Pool and Fitness Center programs. Opponents and several speakers cautioned that the ballot language does not state an initial levy amount and could enable a taxing authority to set rates up to statutory limits unless the ballot or accompanying explanatory statement is clarified.

Details and public response: City staff said the measure is similar to a proposition that failed narrowly in 2024 and that the Fidalgo Parks and Recreation District asked to place it before voters again. Eric Dolan, executive director of the Fidalgo Parks and Recreation District, told the council the proposal is intended to stabilize funding and expand the number of taxpayers in the district. \"It's not a new tax. It's just replacing an old tax,\" Dolan said.

Several residents urged the council to postpone or vote against placing the same language on the ballot. Linda Martin told the council she was \"very disappointed to see that once again is going to be on the ballot\" and said voters had rejected a similar measure last year. Martin and others said the ballot text should disclose an initial or maximum levy rate so voters can make an informed decision; a member of the public pointed to the RCW statute that permits a maximum levy to be specified.

Attorney/staff and council discussion: City staff said the county's attorneys previously reviewed the resolution and required certain language, such as calling it a \"joint proposition.\" Councilmembers asked whether the ballot resolution must list a maximum levy rate; staff said they will consult the city attorney and county counsel and can ask the pool district whether it will propose an initial rate in the explanatory statement. Councilmember Fantini and others expressed that voters expect clarity about the rate the first time the measure appears on a ballot.

Timing and council direction: Councilmembers agreed to delay action and asked staff and the pool district to provide clarifications before the city adopts a resolution. Staff indicated a county deadline of Aug. 5 to place material on the ballot and that the county typically needs to see measures by an earlier date for the county’s July 28 meeting. The council directed the city attorney and pool district to return with possible ballot text revisions, an explanatory statement and legal analysis about whether the city may or should limit an initial levy in the ballot language.

Public comment highlights: Suzanne Roner urged the council to decline to proceed and said unnamed statewide tax increases had already raised residents’ tax burdens. Steve Anderson said, \"Anything that's gonna raise my property taxes, I'm gonna say no.\" Malcolm McCutcheon asked whether such a taxing district could create a permanent taxing authority and suggested term limits or periodic voter renewal.

Outcome: No formal resolution was adopted; councilmembers requested legal review and a revised packet to consider at a subsequent meeting so the city can meet county ballot deadlines if desired.","Councilmembers on July 14 declined to act immediately on an interlocal agreement and resolution to place a Fidalgo Metropolitan Recreation District measure on the November ballot, asking for legal analysis and clearer ballot language about levy rates, boundaries and intent after several public speakers urged postponement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6172114,"Anacortes presents economic development strategy; report flags housing, transit and business gaps",968,1309000,2277000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5392443-141b6ad0d41e1ce59cf990d8c4424629&start=1309&end=2277","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5392443-141b6ad0d41e1ce59cf990d8c4424629/thumbnail_1309000.jpg","/articles/6172114/Anacortes/Skagit-County/Washington/Anacortes-presents-economic-development-strategy-report-flags-housing-transit-and-business-gaps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6172114-a795ac0a5ed32b9e215ac3d17b2f40fc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771158202&Signature=SRYC2vh7H2bNgJpl1LJERAF86bQZFNxGhZnNxF4x3tH-9Ev8vEmeKcPvW3vU7K9NTlqs54~PfODD0AjoJCrv~BrJA3jmTCw-NdIVRmtl9pYmeFBNY2FF~kZ90RebfBbkpu8lyOWs~Wx8I0EpHk~YFQ0n42u6PCjxMAjk5JZmJrJwdhhQm9Q1NbpNb9ttEBunxsttBAKSdg3sDJRFwM7a0xZBS2f9Csru35JIQwZz4jk~W2x6JZ4kyQj0aUYYqcUZ57gTiVvFFFkwQktMYEkGMZy0uA6aAiPE3OJrS8wQoodgYLHili-6e7E6gpVj5od0SDKctnHHQa8zx6~rz5dO2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Anacortes city staff on July 14 presented an economic development strategic plan recommending targeted steps to strengthen local businesses and address housing and service gaps.

The plan, prepared by the Center for Economic and Business Research at Western Washington University and presented by John Coleman, director of the Planning, Community and Economic Development Department, summarizes results from a community survey, a forum and a void analysis of local businesses against peer maritime communities.

Why it matters: The report provides a written, consultant-backed confirmation of issues council members have raised for years and gives the city a prioritized set of recommendations to use in its comprehensive plan update and follow-up work. The council has set aside $30,000 in the 2025 budget to pay for next steps such as targeted studies, marketing or recruitment efforts.

Coleman said the city received 291 survey responses. \"We received 291 responses, which, is a pretty darn good number,\" he told the council, and added the analysis combined survey results with in-person forum input and a review of existing infrastructure. The plan identifies community strengths — a deep-water port, marinas and a strong volunteer culture — and limitations including the lack of interstate access, limited public transportation and a shortfall in housing affordability.

Key findings and recommendations: The report names several measurable priorities to pursue, including increasing housing density, revising zoning and building codes, providing incentives to encourage affordable housing construction, and pursuing business recruitment targeted at identified voids such as primary care providers, dentists and certain professional services. It also lists retail gaps — affordable groceries, clothing and childcare — and recommends actions to improve local services and retain jobs.

Council members responded that the report largely confirmed what they already knew but gave the city a useful outside perspective. Councilmember Young said the plan \"puts it in writing\" and helps the city prioritize efforts. Councilmember McDougall said the value was getting \"a set of outside eyes to take a look and to confirm essentially what we already thought.\" Councilmember Fantini urged the city to use existing communication tools: \"nearly 70% of people in Anacortes still receive their utility bills in the mail,\" he said, suggesting periodic $900 mailer inserts as a low-cost engagement tool.

Next steps and timing: Coleman told the council the economic development committee will lead implementation discussions and meet to recommend concrete actions. Staff said the plan will inform the economic element of the city’s comprehensive plan update. The report is intended to guide both short-term, \"low-hanging fruit\" efforts and longer-term policy changes over the coming months.

The presentation lasted through council comment and closed with a reminder that additional community engagement and follow-up work remain to be scheduled.","City staff and a university consultant unveiled an economic development strategic plan on July 14 that confirms long-standing local concerns about housing affordability, limited transit and gaps in key services. The council earmarked $30,000 for follow-up work and directed the economic development committee to lead next steps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents raise safety and notification concerns about ferry upland improvements, downtown parking and pickleball noise

Council delays action on Fidalgo pool district ballot measure amid questions over levy language and scope

Anacortes presents economic development strategy; report flags housing, transit and business gaps