PORT TOWNSEND — A divided City Council on Monday night took steps toward approving two controversial ordinances:
* One restricting “formula” chain stores downtown.
* The other on setbacks and development regulations of lots affected by statutory street vacation.
The council could approve both ordinances upon the second reading at a meeting next Monday.
While the formula store ordinance strikes at maintaining the community’s “small-town character,” the statutory street vacation — involving street easements dating to the 19th century — is more of a property rights matter.
The council voted 4-2 on the formula store ordinance, with council members Laurie Medlicott and Geoff Masci opposing.
On the short end of a 5-1 vote, Masci opposed going to a second reading on the lot vacation ordinance as “unfair to property owner.” He said it strips owners of their right to develop the property after title is sought.
Before about 40 residents jammed into the council chambers, Medlicott said she won’t vote for a formula store ordinance “that puts the city at great legal risk.”
Calling it “a silly piece of legislation,” Medlicott said she believed the ordinance could be accommodated through existing zoning ordinances.
Masci also questioned several aspects of the formula store ordinance.
As proposed in its most recent form, the ordinance limits chains of 15 stores or more from locating in the historic district.
That is an increase from 11 or more in the original version.