PORT TOWNSEND — Construction of the redesign of Upper Sims Way is winding toward the end with the final paving of the stretch between Thomas Street and Howard Street, which includes two new roundabouts, set later this month.
A party celebrating completion of the $7.1 million project, which redefined Sims Way from Howard to Thomas streets, is planned July 16.
The flashing signs let motorists know that the final paving is scheduled to occur between Thursday and July 2, but those times are not set in stone, city Planning Director Rick Sepler said.
“We can’t say exactly when the final paving will be done because we need a few days of dry weather,” he said. “That makes it hard to be precise.”
Also part of the plan is the planting of more than 30 trees along the newly created median strip, as well as additional landscaping.
‘We Survived’
Since the project, which began last fall, is scheduled for completion in mid-July, some merchants have scheduled a “We Survived” grand reopening which includes a ribbon cutting scheduled for 11 a.m. July 16.
Organizers of the event said they have met with resistance from some merchants who don’t feel the construction of roundabouts is worthy of a celebration.
But, they added, those merchants still should join in.
“We aren’t celebrating the roundabouts,” said Crafts Cottage owner Melanie Bozak.
“We are celebrating that we are still here.”
Port Townsend Laundromat and Car Wash owner Vi Koenig agreed, and added that, while the location of the ribbon cutting is undetermined, it will be in between the two roundabouts.
“We don’t want the roundabout in the picture,” she said.
Welcome back
“We just want our customers to know we are still here, and welcome them back.”
Event planners were scheduled to meet Tuesday night to develop the details.
Koenig doesn’t know how many merchants will participate, but said she expected “quite a few.”
Some are already dead set against the idea.
Vintage Hardware co-owner Ken Kelly, who filed a lawsuit against the city in March saying the roundabout would cost him business, said that “all our businesses are suffering, and there is nothing to celebrate.”
Jiffy Lube manager Mike Austin said he will be “busy working” on a Thursday morning, and won’t have the time for a party.
Austin said he has lost so much business that he and his staff stand on the sidewalk waving signs to attract customers.
Financial Advisor Russ Hoover, who said his client-based business has sustained considerable inconvenience from the construction, also is inclined to sit the celebration out.
Opposition to the project peaked in May when merchants banded together against the city’s intention to remove all of the signs from the right of way.
Signage
This led to the hiring of consultant Kelly Brandon, a signage expert who lives in Port Hadlock, to meet with merchants and discuss their concerns.
Brandon is writing a report which he hopes to submit to the city next week.
As a consultant he does not represent the city and cannot make policy, but expects his recommendations will be considered.
He expects that his recommendations will lead to “some change” in the city’s sign policy.
‘Go extra mile’
“I have never worked with a city that was so anxious to go the extra mile to accommodate merchants,” he said
“They really want to have an agreement that is good for everyone.”
The signage doesn’t end with those advertising businesses, as many drivers are unsure about how to drive in roundabouts, Bozak said.
“It’s amazing that we haven’t had any accidents,” she said, “although we’ve had a lot of squeaking wheels.”
Brandon said that erecting signs directing motorists around the roundabout and to specific businesses were possible.
“Locals will know that they need to go around the roundabout and back to my business,” said Highway Twenty Roadhouse owner Hank Sukert.
“But tourists who come to town won’t know how to do that, and if they can’t get to my business easily, they’ll just keep going and stop at the next cafe.”
After Brandon’s visit, several merchants felt their concerns had been taken into account but knew that the council will make the final decision.
“The city council has to understand that the signage needs for a business on Upper Sims Way are not the same as the needs of a downtown business,” said Crafts Cottage employee Christy Spencer.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.