Kitsap Real Estate Blog

PO City Council: Visualize 55 Feet - Kitsap Sun (Subscription)

This article from the Kitsap sun reports on deliberations taking place on thew Port Orchard City Council about building height limitations in downtown Port Orchard real estate. It is timely and important, particularly now because of the success of downtown Bremerton real estate developments over the past 2 years with more to come.

Full disclosure: I have represented many downtown property owners in buying and selling Port Orchard real estate and will likely continue to do so.

The height limit discussion has alot to do with the economics of developing the land under the old buildings there now. There is lot of nostalgia associated with downtown Port Orchard. There are things about it that I would miss too if it were to change.

The problem is that the utility and road infrastructure, parking and mostly the condition of the buildings will hold back attarction of new businesses and residents who could contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of our home, Port Orchard. I respect the opinions of those who hold an opposing view but no one can claim that the commercial community of downtown is vibrant and growing.

Commercial property owners in downtown will need sufficient density in order to justify the cost of building new, attractive buildings that provide new opportunities for businesses and residents alike. Building heights are one regulatory method but due consideration must be given to density bonuses to encourage development. There is enough room to incent developers to take the enormous risks involved and protect views while creating agreat new downtown that anyone would enjpy looking itself.

More later.

technorati tags:Port, Orchard, real, estate, Bremerton, real, estate

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