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Consultants propose paint, lighting and plazas for Commercial Avenue; businesses urge caution on parking and closures
Summary
Consultants presented a draft downtown streetscape plan focused on Commercial Avenue, proposing low‑cost demonstrations (painted curb extensions), lighting upgrades, parklet management and experimental plazas; business owners expressed concern about parking loss and emergency access during public comment.
The City of Anacortes received a detailed presentation March 16 on proposed improvements to Commercial Avenue and adjacent streets by consultant First 40 Feet. Planning Director John Coleman introduced consultant Jason Graff, who described a community-driven process (workshops and an online survey) that produced a suite of concepts: demonstration curb extensions (paint), improved lighting and street furnishings, a downtown loop of enhanced side streets, wayfinding and storytelling elements, and pilot plazas or seasonal street closures to create gathering spaces.
Graff said the team recommends starting with low‑cost demonstration projects—painted curb extensions and intersection markings—to test how changes affect pedestrian visibility and traffic speeds, then scale up to more permanent improvements informed by reactions and cost estimates. The plan also emphasizes partnerships with the Downtown Anacortes Alliance (DAA), Creative Arts District and the Port and suggests a kit of parts (benches, planters, lighting) for phased implementation. Consultants said they gathered input from businesses, students and more than 700 online survey respondents.
Council members focused questions on maintenance responsibility, ADA accessibility, parklets, and parking impacts. Several members voiced support for a paint‑first approach to test concepts affordably. Businesses and building owners who spoke during public comment expressed mixed views: Jordan Hay (Downtown Anacortes Alliance) and the Creative District offered partnership and volunteer support; restaurant and storefront owners—including the Keystone Building and Scott Milo Gallery—warned that seasonal plazas or street closures could threaten customer access and deliveries and urged careful engagement before reducing parking. Multiple commenters asked the city to consider restroom provision if downtown activation draws more visitors.
Why it matters: The streetscape plan seeks to boost pedestrian safety and downtown economic vibrancy through incremental, tested investments. The choices—parklets, plazas, parking configuration and curb treatments—affect downtown businesses' access and revenues as well as pedestrian comfort and safety.
Next steps: Consultants will produce a revised draft with prioritized actions, approximate costs and maintenance roles and return to council; staff encouraged council and the public to submit additional feedback within the next one to two weeks so the team can issue a follow‑up draft.
