By Luisa Loi
La Conner Community News
In a 4-1 vote, the La Conner Town Council gave the final green light to the establishment of a Port Commercial Zone following a public hearing on Sept. 8.
The code amendments were given preliminary approval several months ago and submitted to the state for a mandatory 60-day review period; the state had no comments.
Town Planning Director Ajah Eills explained this is a collaboration between the Town and the Port of Skagit. The Port owns a number of commercial properties in La Conner, mostly in the north part of town. The new commercial zoning would mirror the zoning south of town.
“The port is currently in the process of reimagining what their space in La Conner is going to look like, and exploring redevelopment options for their commercially owned lands in La Conner,” she said. “We designed this zoning to work in conjunction with the existing commercial zone, as well as the existing industrial zone.”
Port Communications Director Linda Tyler wrote in an email that the Port isn’t considering any specific projects at this time, but future development and redevelopment of commercial areas will follow the new code.
“The updated Port Commercial Zone helps clarify the intended purpose of commercially-zoned property at the La Conner Marina,” she wrote. “It recognizes the distinctions between commercially-zoned property at the Marina and within the Town, both in terms of proximity to Town, and uses and standards for the Port Commercial Zone. It also provides flexibility and certainty that there is room for businesses to locate, grow and expand here in our community.”
Councilmember Annie Taylor voted against the code amendments, but did not explain why. She did not return a request for comment by press time.
Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter at La Conner Community News.
