Farah Ally, one of GEMS’ principals, says they are in talks with the state Department of Natural Resources, which has called for changes for an aquatic lands lease can be approved. Ally said “We are working on downscaling” the project, as much as 50 percent over water.
DNS’s David Roberts told an Anacortes American reporter “We want something significantly smaller in scale. We want to see a significant environmental improvement as a result of the proposal.”
Ally said a new site plan new being worked on would retain the inn and restaurant, but would meet DNR’s objections.
GEMS plans to take down an old red cannery building on the pier. They also plan public access along the waterfront, as well as a parking lot at the corner of 12th St. and D Ave, in addition to on-pier parking.
The proposal for the parking lot, on D Ave. has caused a stir in Old Town and has prompted the appearance of numerous signs protesting the lot. A group called SaveOur Neighborhoods says the project doesn’t fit in the residential area that surrounds it.
GEMS, which also owns StarBar in downtown Anacortes, bought the old cannery building and paid more than $1 million for the aquatic lands lease. But, DNR owns the over-water property on behalf of the state.
The project had been set to go to the city Planning Commission for review by now, but that has been postponed while the project is reworked.
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