Port Townsend: Impassioned pleas to save Scout House made to City Council; prospective buyer ups the ante

PORT TOWNSEND — If passion counts, the Boy Scout House on Morgan Hill would remain where it is forever.

City Council members heard the fervor for keeping the Scout House in its current location during their meeting Monday night as Scouts, parents and friends of Scouting filed to the microphone.

The log building was abruptly sold April 16 by the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts of America to former City Councilman Vern Garrison, who said he wants to move the structure and develop the water-view property.

Garrison on Monday turned down an offer from attorney Brad Johnson — a Morgan Hill neighbor — to buy the building and property.

But Johnson made a second offer of $100,000 more.

“I hope that will send a message to Chief Seattle Council about the value of this property,” Johnson said of his $800,000 offer.

The Scout House was on the City Council agenda Monday night because Garrison offered to donate the building to the city and for reasonable expenses to move it to city park property at the corner of Foster and Quincy streets.

City Manager David Timmons said upcoming major projects such as construction of the City Hall annex and fire station would make it difficult for staff to meet Garrison’s 120-day deadline to agree to move the Scout House.

Public comments

Council members, after hearing 30 minutes of public comments against moving the building, decided that they should again look at the issue during their May 3 meeting.

More in News

Workers from Van Ness Construction in Port Hadlock, one holding a grade rod with a laser pointer, left, and another driving the backhoe, scrape dirt for a new sidewalk of civic improvements at Walker and Washington streets in Port Townsend on Thursday. The sidewalks will be poured in early February and extend down the hill on Washington Street and along Walker Street next to the pickle ball courts. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Sidewalk setup

Workers from Van Ness Construction in Port Hadlock, one holding a grade… Continue reading

The first graduating cohort of EDC Team Jefferson's business advisors training stands with certificates. From left to right are George Sawyer, Kit Malone, Devin Rodriguez, Charlotte Richardson and Justine Wagner. Standing is the EDC's Executive Director David Bailiff. Sitting is the EDC's Program and Finance Manager Phoebe Reid and course instructor Ray Sparrowe.
Five business advisors graduate

Cohort studied accounting, marketing in 40-week program

Victoria Helwick.
Seaview Academy becoming popular option for online K-12 education

Port Angeles School District has about 375 students enrolled in program

x
Home Fund contributes to OMC cancer center

Funding supports patient navigator program’s effort to remove barriers

April Messenger, left, and Olympic National Park Ranger Chris Erickson share ideas on Wednesday during a listening session at Field Arts & Events Hall in Port Angeles. Nearly 150 people provided feedback about a new Hurricane Ridge Lodge project following the 2023 fire that destroyed the original structure. Nine easels were set up with questions and notes were provided for people to express their goals for a new lodge. The earliest construction can begin is in 2028, and it would take two to three years to complete, weather permitting. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Listening post

April Messenger, left, and Olympic National Park Ranger Chris Erickson share ideas… Continue reading

Port of Port Townsend to pursue grant for airport

Funds aimed to spur small industrial work

Future of Oceans program to focus on puffins

Expert spent 37 years studying seabirds in Alaska

The city of Port Angeles has put out a request for proposals for the sale of the historic fire hall at 215 S. Lincoln St. (City of Port Angeles)
Port Angeles is seeking a buyer for fire hall, prioritizes affordable housing

Historic preservation also noted for city’s landmark property

A standup paddle boarder and his dog take advantage of mild temperatures and calm waters on Tuesday to go for a ride on Port Townsend Bay. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Going for a ride

A standup paddle boarder and his dog take advantage of mild temperatures… Continue reading

Port of Port Angeles seeking design team

Building intended for aerospace production

Olympic National Park Superintendent Sula Jacobs answers questions Wednesday during the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Red Lion Inn. (Emily Hanson/Peninsula Daily News)
Superintendent says national park had more than 3.6M visitors in ’25

Construction projects to affect amenities in ONP this summer