SEQUIM — What works for downtown Sequim?
Its character, its shops, its restaurants, pedestrian friendly footpaths between buildings to alleyways, lighted sidewalks and alleys.
What needs work in downtown Sequim?
Parking availability, wayfinding signs, traffic circles, handicapped access, cluster signs to downtown, roundabouts, parallel parking and Sequim Avenue as a greater public space.
These are just a few suggestions Sequim residents made Thursday to Michael Kimelberg, a consultant with LMN Architects of Seattle, who jotted ideas on sticky notes he posted on a display board for all to see.
Two-day open house
It was the first of a two-day downtown studio storefront open house the consultant firm is conducting for the city of Sequim in the new retail complex owned by Olympic Properties, 175 W. Washington St.
The open house continues today, resuming at noon until 2 p.m., so the public has a second chance to share ideas with the consultants.
That will be followed by a 5 p.m. open house for the consultants to share ideas and information.
Consultants with LMN and Studio Cascade Inc., a community-planning and design firm based in Spokane, will take what they learn, analyze their findings and present a preliminary “vision” at 6 p.m. today at the same location.
‘Improve traffic’
“They need to improve traffic,” said 11-year resident Richard Petit, who along with his wife, Pat, talked to Kimelberg.
“The [U.S. Highway] 101 bypass was a blessing, but if they don’t do something with traffic, the money spent won’t be worth it.”
The highway bypass opened in 1999, removing large trucks and traffic from the former 101 route, which was Washington Street, but the boom in commercial development and residential growth has once again engorged downtown streets with traffic.
Richard Petit added he hates the so-called pedestrian bumpouts that extend out into the streets, which provide ramps for accessibility and narrow crosswalks at street corners, because they restrict the road for motorists.
‘Big listening day’
Kimelberg said Thursday was the “big listening day” to hear residents discuss the issues, downtown’s assets and liabilities.
“We want to make it a very accessible, transparent process throughout the two nights,” he said.
The city wants to hear from Sequim residents who might have opinions about what the downtown retail district does or does not need to prosper.
City leaders and the consultants are helping the city develop a vision and guiding principles for a downtown plan.
Consultants will come back before the City Council in January or February, presenting two concepts for downtown, at which time the council can choose one after final public comments are heard.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.