PORT TOWNSEND — A new city signage program became visible this week with the posting of three signs on Upper Sims Way that advertise local businesses.
The signs, which have a uniform size and appearance, are the only signs that are allowed on the city’s right of way, according to Port Townsend Planning Director Rick Sepler.
The signs, 3 feet wide and 4 feet tall, have been posted in front of State Farm Insurance, the Highway 20 Road House and Habitat for Humanity.
Other signs will be posted at Jiffy Lube, Sherwood Veterinary Center, Edward Jones Investments and John L. Scott Real Estate over the next few weeks.
All of the businesses are located on Sims Way between the Howard Street and Thomas Street roundabouts, and they posted their own signs prior to the street renovation last year.
When the city announced the intention to enforce the sign ordinance, several merchants said the removal of their signs would hurt their business, prompting the city to establish a uniform sign policy and enumerate the businesses that were qualified to participate.
An eighth business, Port Townsend Laundromat and Car Wash, qualified for a sign in the city right-of-way, but the owner, Bob Koenig, prefers to have his sign on his own property.
He didn’t care for the lighting that the city would provided.
“I’m happy with the way things are now,” he said.
“At least I’m not lying awake at night wondering what [the city] is going to say about this next. “
Highway 20 Road House owner Hank Sukert has no objection to his sign but is concerned about the median strip that does not allow northbound traffic to make a left turn into the restaurant.
Instead of turning, traffic must go around the roundabout and head south for one block, something Sukert finds unacceptable.
“This is OK for the locals who know where we are,” he said, “but we are losing a lot of business from tourists who don’t know their way around.”
Sukert said he had no data on the loss of business.
The first phase of the sign project cost the city $17,000.
The signs cost about $2,000 each, but some materials were purchased in case of damage, Sepler said.
The second phase — which includes signs advertising multiple businesses between Haines Street and Kearny Street — will be offered for bid next week, Sepler said.
Each sign will advertise three food or lodging businesses and will replace the random sandwich board signs that are scattered along Sims Way.
After these signs are posted, the colorful “J’eet Yet?” signs promoting Dos Okies Barbeque and “Greek Food Next Right” will disappear.
Sepler estimates the second phase will cost the city between $8,000 and $10,000.
The city owns and maintains the signs, but each business must pay a design cost.
The last phase of the ordinance, which will control the sandwich boards in the downtown area, will be applied this summer, Sepler said.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.