Developer planning to build seven-acre commercial project

South Kitsap property owner Fred Depee knows he’ll be getting some questions soon.

His seven-acre parcel adjacent to State Route 16 is becoming more exposed and more visible, as he removes trees and flattens the ground, exposing to the community what he sees as one of the biggest commercial projects Port Orchard has seen in some time.

The parcel sits just off of Pottery Avenue as it becomes Sedgwick.

And though the project is not set in stone, and he’s not even ready to talk about exactly what the project is, he is talking with the Port Orchard City Council, and letting them know he wants this project to fall within the city limits.

At last week’s city council meeting, he predicted that this commercial development, which will bring with it 1,100 feet of freeway frontage, could bring in $600,000 a year in tax revenue, which would make it the largest commercial revenue draw for the city.

And he wants it in the city.

“With (Mayor) Lary Coppola and James Weaver, you know you’re going to get things done,” he said.

At the meeting, he jokingly referred to the mayor as “‘Lord Lary Coppola’ as he likes to be referred to,’” which Depee said is “just fine among friends.”

But all that is a little bit down the road, and he’s holding his cards close until that day comes.

He is aware, though, that the clearing and exposure of his site will draw some attention, and for good reason, as he believes this project will change the economic face of the city.

“It’s going to totally change the complexion of Port Orchard,” he said.

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