PORT TOWNSEND — The city will post signs for six businesses which have lost visibility and access as a result of the Upper Sims Way streetscape improvement.
The Port Townsend City Council approved the measure Monday night, allocating $16,000 for the signs, which could be erected within a month, said Rick Sepler, city planning director.
Although a more comprehensive sign policy is in progress, quick action was needed to post the signs as soon as possible and help the businesses, Sepler told the council.
“This is an emergency measure,” he said.
“We could wait until next month to address this, but it will have an adverse effect on those who are involved.”
The recently completed Upper Sims Way project added roundabouts at Howard and Thomas streets, center medians, sidewalks and landscaping, as well as widening the state Highway 20 entrance into town
Several merchants complained that the newly configured street obscured their location and would lessen their public access.
In response, the city hired signage consultant Kelly Brandon of Port Hadlock, who interviewed all the businesses and studied the lines of sight for each retail establishment.
Brandon’s recommendation, approved by the city, supported the posting of signs advertising six businesses:
• John L. Scott Real Estate Port Townsend, 2219 W. Sims Way.
• Edward Jones Investments, 2500 W. Sims Way.
• Port Townsend Laundromat and Car Wash, 2115 W. Sims Way.
• Jiffy Lube, 2099 W. Sims Way.
• Highway 20 Roadhouse, 2152 W. Sims Way.
• Sherwood Veterinary Center, 2201 W. Sims Way.
Of the 21 businesses reviewed, these fit the criteria defined by Brandon — to have a view blocked by the new landscaping, a building set back from the street and curb restrictions that do not allow the placement of a freestanding sign on the building’s property.
Each sign will display the business’ street number, with lettering large enough to view from a distance.
The city will spend $2,000 for each sign, which will measure 3-feet tall by 4-feet wide.
The city’s allocation of $16,000 for the project covers the possibilities of needing another sign in the future, Sepler said.
Each business will design its own sign using individual logos and messages, and will pay $500 to make the sign.
Signposts will be set two feet into the ground and packed in without the use of concrete, to allow for their future removal, if needed.
Each sign will be lit by LEDs, using new technology that focuses onto the sign and has a minimum of light spillage, Sepler said.
The next step is for Brandon to interview the six merchants and lead them through the design and execution process.
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Jefferson County reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.