Steve Bloom/The Olympian
Standing near Olympia's Fourth Avenue bridge construction, Charlie Kirry sees his neighborhood association as a way to keep local homeowners' interests represented, especially with the changing face of West Bay Drive.

Group unites diverse interests

MICHAEL BURNHAM THE OLYMPIAN

OLYMPIA -- With a high-profile debate about future development of West Bay Drive fading into memory, the more than two dozen residents and business people within the West Bay Neighborhood Association's borders are quietly looking toward the future.

It's been more than a year since a 12-member stakeholder committee dreamed and debated the future of this road steeped in water-dependent industries.

Some stakeholders atop the road's steep, wooded hillside wanted more parks and open spaces along the 1.5-mile stretch of waterfront.

Many of those who lived and worked along the water, however, envisioned a vibrant corridor of homes, offices and restaurants developing during the next two decades.

The meetings were laborious, and minority and majority visions were painstakingly shaped.

The blueprint for growth ultimately embraced by the City Council includes pieces of both visions. The comprehensive plan -- Olympia's chief planning document -- calls for a waterfront that includes mixed-use buildings, parks and a walking trail.

Just as the stakeholder group gave birth to two visions, it produced two neighborhood associations.

Those atop the hill (mostly single-family homeowners) formed the Northwest Neighborhood Association, and those with direct access to the West Bay Drive formed the West Bay Drive Neighborhood Association.

"They were speaking for us in many instances but really didn't represent us because our neighborhood is quite different," said Mort James, president of the West Bay Drive Neighborhood Association. "A lot of it is commercial and multi-family housing."

West Bay Drive residents now ponder the next big question: When new development brings more office workers, residents and restaurant patrons, how will a wider and busier road change the character of the street?

The road now consists of two vehicle lanes, on-street parking and patches of sidewalk. Its width ranges from 30 feet to 38 feet, including sidewalks.

Most of the road is classified by the city as a major collector. Fully developed major collectors include between two and four vehicle lanes, two bike lanes, two planting strips and two sidewalks -- a total width of between 62 feet and 84 feet.

James fears the wider road will result in the removal of mature trees and change the character of the neighborhood.

Road changes are likely to happen in a piecemeal fashion, as growth often comes in spurts and property developers are required to pay for their share of frontage improvements.

Whether more vehicle lanes are needed will depend on how much traffic increases.

"At this point, the traffic projections indicate that the city is not going to need any more than two traffic lanes" during the next 20 years, said Olympia planner Pete Swensson.

Still, some West Bay Drive residents unsuccessfully attempted to downgrade the road's classification during the 2001 comprehensive plan amendment process.

The debate is not over, promises neighborhood association secretary Sarah Smyth McIntosh, who fears a wider road will eat up developable property and increase vehicle speeding.

"I think when people see how some of this is initially developed out, they won't like it," said Smyth McIntosh, who believes the neighborhood association gives residents a sustained voice. "Issues ebb and flow, but having the structure in place is beneficial."

The imminent construction of a roundabout at the road's southern end concerns long-time West Bay resident Charlie Kirry.

The Park of the Seven Oars, which was built in 1993 at the northwest corner of the Olympic Way and West Bay Drive intersection, will be replaced with one of two roundabouts at the new Fourth Avenue bridge's western end.

Kirry fears the roundabout will inhibit vehicle access to West Bay industrial tenants Solid Wood Inc., Reliable Steel Inc. and Dunlap Towing Co.

"I think it would be a shame if traffic ever put a noose around their neck regarding use," said Kirry, the neighborhood association's vice president.

The roundabouts and bridge construction will be completed by spring 2004.

A replacement park along the bluff between West Bay Drive and Budd Inlet will be opened by winter 2004.

Does your neighborhood have a story for Our Neighborhoods? If you have a special event, are tackling a tough issue or are planning a project, let us know. Call or e-mail Communities Editor Jerre Redecker at 360-754-5422 or jredecke@olympia. gannett.com. Our Neighborhoods runs Thursdays in Communities. Next week: The Panorama City residence council considers adding a bistro.

West Bay Drive Neighborhood Association

- Boundaries: Approximately 1.5 miles from end to end of West Bay Drive.

- Membership: Neighborhood encompasses more than two dozen residences and businesses. Membership is open to residents and business owners with direct access to West Bay Drive.

- Meetings: The year-old association meets quarterly.

- Schools: Olympia School District.

- Contact: Charlie Kirry, vice president, 360-754-4543; Mort James, president, 360-352-2632

- Main issues: Traffic and future development.

For more local news go to the Communities section.

The Olympian Copyright 2002

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