Port Orchard downtown plan kicks in

Concept’s centerpiece would be civic center-style building topped by parking garage.

A plan to revitalize downtown Port Orchard is being circulated around City Hall, and will begin with the planning of a civic center-style structure that consists of a parking structure topped off by a public building.

“We have realized for some time that in order for anything to happen downtown parking must be addressed,” said Port Orchard Mayor Lary Coppola. “We have selected a site to build the parking structure, and more than likely will place a library on top.”

According to a draft report prepared by the city, the entire project will cost almost $12 million.

This is broken down into three phases — acquisition and design, construction of the parking garage and construction of the library.

Coppola said the project will be substantially funded by grant money and other federal sources.

“There are lots of different pots of money that are available,” he said. “And now that our comprehensive plan is in compliance we can pursue some of these grants.”

Coppola is working with staff members for U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks to secure the funds. “They are helping us to navigate the process,” Coppola said.

As proposed, the parking structure would hold 291 cars, holding most of them underground.

This would allow the development of the waterfront, prime real estate that would be far more appealing as a park than a parking lot.

The current library building, situated on the watefront, would be moved, sold or destroyed.

“The library needs a lot of work,” Coppola said. “We think it will cost less to build a new one than to fix what we have.” 

One plan was to move the library out of the downtown area, perhaps to Givens Community Center.

This is opposed by some council members, who perceive the library as a prime draw for the downtown area.

Eight properties, including one already owned by the City of Port Orchard, are slated for use in the parking project. The properties are valued at a little more than $2 million, and included the Sidney Museum and Arts Association.

Public Works Director Mark Dorsey said he is currently examining the proposed site — which borders Prospect St. and Sidney Avenue, for its potential on a variety of levels.

He said he is not certain about any aspect, including what buildings will need to be acquired or torn down.

The draft plan includes several other possibilities for downtown, including expanding the new library into a community center and developing a retail center on the revitalized waterfront.

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