County to pursue purchase of Orcas Village dock

For the second time in three years San Juan County has set its sights on purchasing a waterfront parcel just west of the Orcas Island ferry landing that includes a dock, a float and 400 feet of moorage space.

At the County Council meeting on July 15, following a detailed briefing from Jon Shannon, SJC Public Works Director and Real Estate Officer, Council Member Alan Lichter introduced a motion – carried unanimously – which would clear the way for the County’s acquisition of the Orcas Landing property.

On July 15, Public Works requested and received approval of the County Council to revise its 2008 road plan and to make room for the potential multi-million dollar acquisition by the end of the year. The purchase would need the council’s endorsement at a later date if Public Works and the property owner are able to strike a deal.

Known as Orcas Landing, the three-quarter-acre parcel contains a 4,000-square-foot building, nine parking spaces on Ferry Road, roughly 150 feet of moorage space and a slice of shoreline which, according to Public Works Director Jon Shannon, would be suitable for a modest-sized public park.

According to Lichter, the county will continue to receive revenues from the lease of two buildings, one leased as restaurant space, the second a kayak and whale watching company, and nine parking spaces.

Lichter said, “In addition to its availability for the public, I assume we’ll use part of the dock for our Sheriff’s Department, but contrary to some rumors I’ve heard, we have no plans to provide a base for Homeland Security or Border Patrol.

“For me, what’s most exciting about this acquisition is the positive effect it will have on Orcas Village. The State Ferries-Orcas dock area is a picturesque gateway to our entire island, but the heavy and competing impacts of traffic, residents, and visitors make this a very sensitive and fragile area.

“We should be able to improve local traffic patterns with this acquisition, and we’ll have a staging area for walk-ons, bikers, and kayakers going aboard the ferries.”

Though still a work in progress, the potential acquisition was evaluated by the Planning Commission on July 18, in its review of the county’s six-year transportation improvement plan. That plan goes back before the council July 29 for pending approval.

Shannon said the property’s price tag – based on negotiations – is just over $2.8 million. He said the department is seeking to finance the purchase through a low-interest loan of $3 million from the state and that it has also applied for a $1 million state grant to help offset the cost of the loan. Annual payments on the loan would be made through the Road Fund.

“We think this is doable in terms of the budget,” he said.

However, Realtor Wally Gudgell, who represents the current owners, said on July 19, “We haven’t even got an offer from the county yet so it’s a little premature to discuss the Jacobson’s Landing.”

Public Works made a similar bid for the property three years ago. However, Shannon said, that deal fell through when its presumed partner, Washington State Ferries (WSF), dropped out at the last minute, although WSF policy states they should purchase property alongside a ferry landing whenever it becomes available. Instead, the property was sold to a private buyer, Steve Jacobson, who added over $1 million in improvements. Last year, Mrs. Jacobson contacted Lichter and proposed selling the property because of Steve’s illness, and Shannon and Lichter restarted the purchase process, this time with the help of County Administrator Pete Rose.

Now, Shannon believes there’s a strong possibility that Ferries would reconsider and partner in the purchase as a means of improving its operations at the Orcas terminal. If so, he said that a contribution from WSF would reduce the county’s cost of acquiring the property.

“We think they will,” he said.

Lichter said, “The acquisition responds to SJ County’s Comprehensive Plan and the Long Range Marine Transportation Plan, by providing commuter access to a ferry landing, which has not been realized in any of our outer islands.” County policy dictates providing moorage for non-ferry served island residents, such as Waldron.

In addition, Lichter notes that it will also serve as a public dock, providing access for commuters, outer island users, and recreational boaters.

“San Juan County owes a considerable measure of thanks to Jon Shannon and Pete Rose for their professional skills and personal commitment to the quality of our island life,” Lichter said.

Sounder Editor Margie Doyle contributed to this article.

Islands Sounder County reporter Scott Rasmussen can be reached at srasmussen@sanjuanjournal.com or (360) 378-5696.

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