PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles doesn’t have just one potential buyer for its salmon-colored Landing mall at 115 E. Railroad Ave.
It has two.
The two now-unidentified suitors will make 15-minute presentations to the Port of Port Angeles Board of Commissioners, which then will decide which proposal is best — if indeed the Port decides to sell the landmark waterfront structure between City Pier and the MV Coho ferry landing.
A public hearing to hear the proposals and get public comment is set for 10 a.m. Aug. 14 at the Port’s headquarters, 338 W. First St., Port Angeles.
Port commissioners also will consider amending the Port’s comprehensive plan to reclassify the building as surplus.
Port staff released a request for proposals in early July to buy The Landing mall, the passenger ferry terminal building and dock, “as is, where is,” for at least $675,000.
Status could remain
Port Planning Manager Susan Bauer said if neither potential buyer carries through with a proposal, the property will remain declared surplus.
“We will have presentations from the two bidders. But the way the request was made, the decision is not based upon the high bidder,” she said.
The decision will be based upon what the bidders plan to do with the property and how that would enhance economic development, such as how many jobs will be created, Bauer said.
“So we’re asking them to make a presentation on their plans and future development prior to the commission looking at surplusing the property,” she said.
After the public hearing, the Port commissioners could make a decision that day, Bauer said.
They also could decide to discuss the issue in executive session and come back at a scheduled Aug. 28 meeting to decide, she said.