In testimony prepared for the City Council, the Retail Group says the city has worked hard to develop a charming walkable town but, “Some businesses would close, some would shrink, some would move, but all would be affected.“ The testimony says there too many unresolved issues.
The City Council opened a public hearing earlier this month and much of the testimony recommended either dumping the proposed rezone or deferring it and putting it on the agenda for the city’s 2016 Comprehensive Plan update. The second part of the Council’s public hearing is set for Monday night, Feb. 3, at 7:00 pm.
MJB is proposing a rezone of about ten-acres on R Ave, between 24th and 28th streets to allow for as much as 105,000 square feet of retail space to accommodate what might be called a mid-sized big box store. MJB often cites Fred Meyer as a potential store.
The Chamber’s Retail Group is composed of members of the Chamber who have retail stores in town.
Among other complaints, the group says a rezone will totally shift the retail district from its current location. “Anacortes will not increase how much retail we have but merely make a lateral shift in where the retail is located and where the dollars are spent.”
The testimony also says current businesses will absolutely see a decrease in sales which will result in a reduction of employees and then an evaluation of whether it is economically feasible to stay in business, adding, “Most of our current businesses cannot withstand any reduction in sales and remain viable.”