Council sets Dec. 16 public hearing on Kitsap County petition to vacate city right-of-way

Port Orchard staff presented a Kitsap County petition to vacate three portions of city right-of-way, including an alley off Taylor Street, a portion of Austin Avenue between Taylor and Smith Streets, and an alley off Klein Street. Miss Wallace said the total area requested for vacation is approximately 26,310 square feet and staff received a complete application consistent with Port Orchard Municipal Code chapter 12.08.

Kitsap County proposed compensation that staff put in the meeting packet: $30,000 in cash, transfer of a parcel described as Veterans Park (approximately 48 acres inside the city limits), and a dedicated public parking arrangement on the county campus for special-event parking when an event is sponsored or promoted by the city. Staff and the public-works director supported setting the hearing given no city plans to open the areas.

Citing RCW 35.79, which governs vacation of city rights-of-way, the council adopted a resolution setting Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. as the date and time for the public hearing. Staff will post notices and notify adjacent property owners in advance of the hearing.

Council members said the negotiation involved give-and-take and emphasized that the public hearing will allow the community to review the proposed compensation and impacts before the council decides whether to accept any transfer or payment.

Next steps: Staff to post notices, accept public comment at the Dec. 16 hearing and return to council for any decision on vacation and compensation.