HomeMy WebLinkAbout021Greg Tyler
350 E Ballycastle Way
Shelton, WA 98584
David Wayne Johnson
Jefferson County Development Department
621 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I am writing with regards to the proposed development at the Pleasant Harbor Marina near Brinnon,
Washington.
I have been a member of the Advisory Committee since it was formed during the acquisition of the
Marina property by Statesman several years ago. In addition, I have been a Marina Tenant since 2000
and purchased a slip license in 2005. 1 am familiar with boating as well as marinas having owned 3 boats
and have been a boater since 1965.
Recently I have become aware of certain plans by Statesman in the area surrounding the marina store,
the traffic patterns, plans to make significant changes to how traffic is managed, and how boaters access
their boats upon arrival.
I have deep concerns about the plans as described, and how they affect all the boaters using the marina.
I feel the plans are flawed and do not represent a clear understanding of how marinas operate and how
boaters use marinas. Furthermore, I do not feel the concerns being raised by the boaters at the Pleasant
Harbor Marina, or the by the Advisory Committee are being given proper attention by Statesman. It
appears to me that Statesman has a vision in mind, and it runs counter to boating and marina reality. it
also appears Statesman is not being forthright with us when they describe various code or county
requirements.
Specifically I have the following observations and concerns:
About 110 slips are in private hands representing a large portion of the value of the marina.
That's several million dollars in privately held value at risk.
Changes in dock access by closing down the use of the lower road will place the marina into a
"one of a kind" category - meaning it will be the only one in the Puget Sound area that will
intentionally make life difficult for the boater. That's quite a distinction or honor to have in a
competitive business environment! Direct top of ramp access for loading and unloading is
essential. A 12D starting battery for my boat weights 135 lbs. I can't carry it very far.
- The reorganization of traffic patterns will also create a safety hazard with the proposed 2 way
traffic combined with the turnarounds. It is safer (and less expensive) to maintain the current
patterns and improve the corners and width to help with visibility and emergency services
access.
Changes adverse to boating and marina reality will compromise the value of these slips and
damage net worth of many individuals. It will drive boaters away as they seek something more
sensible.
- Current business operations within the marina will suffer when their clients have to use unusual
means to access the businesses, driving their customers away. The businesses may leave to find
better, more business friendly marinas to operate in.
The addition of fees for slip license holders to access assistance after-hours with parking or
other services is not acceptable. Boaters move with the tides and currents, not just by the clock.
Plus, we already pay for shared marina costs and services on a linear foot basis.
Slip license holders are year -around paying customers who form a base of income for the
operational costs of the marina. By implementing the changes as proposed, they will drive
current and potential customers away, and deprive themselves of the income potential so
desperately needed. Their vacancy rate is already way tot high.
Remote parking is taking a big chance with security. I had my vehicle vandalized when parked
near Hwy 101. Trust me, Velveeta Cheese and teriyaki beef sticks should not be stuffed into a
gas tank.
- The remote parking would be served by a shuttle available24/7 according to the proposed plan.
This is a waste of money as the cost for the shuttle and operator is too high. It is less expensive
to maintain but improve the existing traffic pattern with the close in parking. In the long run it is
probably more environmentally friendly as well.
- The proposed plan does nothing to create or facilitate emergency departure from the marina in
the event of fire, earthquake, or tsunami. If fact, the proposed plan probably hinders a rapid
departure with reliance on shuttles and foot pathways for people movement.
- The Binding Site Plan is a good plan and should stand as it is. It would have a lot of support as
people recognize its value.
I feel the proposed plans are not acceptable and run counter to efficient marina operations. I believe
these plans are designed by non -boaters who really do not understand how facilities like this operate
and should be designed. What makes it worse is they are not listening to this collective boater
experience talking to them about these flawed plans.
I also feel the vast majority of the boaters who use Pleasant Harbor Marina will feel the same.
Please accept my comments as they are from an experienced boater who wants Pleasant Harbor Marina
to not just succeed, but to flourish and be the best possible destination for boaters in Puget Sound.
Be regards,
ZWT'ye``