Council approves vacation of Port Orchard right-of-way to enable Kitsap County courthouse parking, 4–1

The Port Orchard City Council voted to adopt an ordinance vacating several street and alley segments to make room for surface parking tied to a future Kitsap County courthouse expansion. The council’s motion to adopt the ordinance was moved by Councilmember Morrissey and, as announced, was carried by a voice vote the mayor described as 4–1.

City staff presented the petition (received 12/17/2025) describing multiple sections of right-of-way proposed for vacation, with individual sections ranging from about 1,498 to more than 15,000 square feet and a total of approximately 38,641 square feet. The vacated areas are intended to permit construction of initial surface parking (described in staff materials as phase 0) and are subject to all required permits.

Clerk Wallace and staff cited Port Orchard Municipal Code provisions governing street vacations (POMC 12.08.010; 12.08.050; 12.08.017) and explained that the city will reserve easements for any public or private utilities located in the vacated area to preserve access for maintenance and operations. City attorney Archer clarified that when the council vacates right-of-way, the area is split down the midline and half of the vacated width typically goes to each adjacent owner; in many parts the county owns both sides, but in some places a private property owner would receive half and the county would receive the other half.

Kitsap County’s proposed compensation, included in the staff packet, lists $30,000 in monetary payment and the transfer of Veterans Park (described by staff as 48 acres within the city) plus dedicated public parking on the county campus for city special events as nonmonetary compensation. Staff said monetary compensation would be paid before recording the ordinance and nonmonetary compensation would be set out in a separate agreement acceptable to the city attorney.

Public speakers questioned sequencing and relocation plans before council action. John Lackey said seven families could need relocation and urged the council to ask the county to return with a relocation plan and a clear purchase-and-sale pathway before approving vacations. Todd Parkington, acting assistant director for capital facilities at Kitsap County, said the county has an active purchase-and-sale agreement with one property owner, is negotiating with others, and does not expect the alley vacation to interfere with Lackey’s utility access; he said the county intends to ensure utilities continue to function.

Council discussion touched on historic platting (staff noted the area was part of the town of Sydney’s 1890 incorporation), adverse-possession concepts, and whether the city would be forced to assume Veterans Park. Staff said the park transfer was negotiated as an option and the city would only assume ownership if it had the financing in place at the time set in the agreement.

The motion to adopt the ordinance was moved by Councilmember Morrissey and recorded as seconded by Councilmember Trenary. The mayor announced the vote as 4–1 in favor, with one recorded nay. No further implementation dates were announced during the meeting; staff noted compensation would precede recording the ordinance and easement language would be preserved in perpetuity.