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Council approves $1.46M supplemental agreement for Naval Avenue right-of-way; vote 6-1 after public input
Summary
The council approved a supplemental agreement with HDR Engineering to begin right-of-way acquisition for the Naval Avenue pedestrian and bicycle enhancements project, authorizing title work, appraisals and relocation services. The vote was 6–1.
The Bremerton City Council voted 6–1 on Feb. 5 to approve Supplemental Agreement No. 4 with HDR Engineering Inc. to begin right-of-way acquisition for the Naval Avenue pedestrian and bicycle enhancements project from First Street to Fifteenth Street.
Project manager Vicky Grover told the council the amendment starts the right-of-way phase and funds tasks including title reports, temporary and permanent acquisition negotiations, appraisals, surveys, relocation services under the Uniform Relocation Act and final right-of-way certification with WSDOT. “The contract cost is $1,460,000.952,” Grover said during her presentation, and she described the negotiation and appraisal work HDR will perform.
Public comment included both support and concern. Mark Layton, representing the Bremerton Boilermakers and local shipyard workers, said reduced lane widths and added bicycle infrastructure on routes used by shipyard employees could create conflicts during shift changes. Residents who live along Naval Avenue urged the council to prioritize pedestrian safety and requested thorough community engagement; Jessica Torres Riley, who lives off Fifth Street, said she looks forward to a “safe street” to walk her daughter to Naval Elementary School.
Motion and vote: Councilmember Goodnow moved to approve the supplemental agreement; Council President Younger seconded. The council called the question and recorded six yes votes and one no: Reblewski (yes), Goodnow (yes), Mokler (yes), Chamberlain (yes), Frey (no), Coughlin (yes), Younger (yes). Outcome: approved, 6–1.
What the agreement does: The supplemental agreement advances property acquisition steps that typically take up to two years, Grover said. The city will use its 90% design to determine the right-of-way needs, then negotiate temporary and permanent property rights with affected owners, perform appraisals and offer just compensation. Grover noted relocation services are part of the work required by the Uniform Relocation Act and that final certification must be approved by WSDOT.
Council discussion and context: Several council members emphasized that the current vote authorized right-of-way work only; there is not yet construction funding or a construction contract. Councilmember Rybalski (spoke during discussion) noted right-of-way acquisition defines the frame for future design but does not lock in details that exceed the acquired property. Councilmember Goodnow said neighborhood outreach must continue and emphasized staff should be responsive to stakeholder concerns; Councilmember Frey said he would vote no based on concerns about the administration's outreach and decision-making process.
Cost and next steps: The agreement’s contract amount was stated at $1,460,000.952 by the project manager. Staff said right-of-way acquisition is anticipated to take multiple years; future phases — including a construction contract and funding for building the project — remain to be authorized separately.
Ending: With the 6–1 approval the city may begin negotiations and title work to secure the right-of-way needed for the Naval Avenue improvements. Councilmembers and staff agreed to continue outreach through design and acquisition so affected residents and stakeholders can provide input as the project advances.
