PORT OF FRIDAY HARBOR

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Port not convinced by EDC report

posted 04/14/04
Friday Harbor Town Council will review, at their April 15 meeting, the final report on the feasibility of the town purchasing Browne lumber's Spring Street property. Friday Harbor Port Commissioners were not convinced the project made economic sense after they heard a preliminary report from Richard Civille in March.

Civille, the county Economic Development Council Director, wrote the report. The $4,000 cost was split between the port and the town. "We went into this as a look-see," said Port Commissioner Mike Ahrenius. "There is nothing binding on us to go forward. I don’t see the port going much farther than this."

The report included plans for 3,000 square feet of office space, a parking lot and a farmers' market. The income for the project would come from leases for parking spaces, office space and the farmers market.

Port Commissioner Greg Hertel said the port is prohibited by state law from running parking lots.

Port Commissioner Brian Calvert raised questions about the farmers market paying for their space. He noted they pay nothing now to use the courthouse parking lot on Saturdays.

Civille said in other places in the state, farmers pay 6 percent of their gross sales for the lease. He estimated the current $200,000 annually earned at the San Juan Island farmers' market could grow to $500,000 or $750,000 a year. He said he hadn't met with the farmers to discuss the project.

The proposal included multi-use of the site. Mayor Gary Boothman, who has been the driving force behind the project, said there was interest from the community in a community market. The farmers market would be expanded to include small businesses.

Calvert wondered about business owners reactions to the plan. "How are your constitents, who own small businesses and pay taxes, going to feel about the government subsidized low overhead business?"

Boothman said business owners could rent booth space at the market. As an example he mentioned Friday Harbor Councilmember Howie Rosenfeld whose shop is on Web Street. He could take some of his marine artwork and sell it at the Spring Street location, Boothman said. "People with established businesses are more concerned about parking. They see the parking as an advantage rather than see the subsidized (market) as a problem," Boothman said.

Civille suggested the port consider signing a resolution in support of the project.

Calvert said, "I wouldn’t support a resolution. There is a real burden of proof to show any reason to go further."

Hertel said, "We are happy to participate in things where we can see a clear benefit for the community."

Calvert added: "A benefit to the community that covers its own expense."

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