A Lynden-based developer is proposing to build 14 condominium units and a retail space at Ninth Street between Q and R avenues in an area currently being used as a temporary dog park.

Homestar Northwest is seeking approval to move ahead with plans for four buildings of condominiums overlooking the Cap Sante Boat Haven. The condominiums are expected to range in price from $500,000 to $1 million and range in size from 1,500 to 2,100 square feet.

The property is zoned commercial marine.

Homestar representatives outlined the development plans for the Planning Commission at its meeting Sept. 24. The company is seeking a shoreline permit and a conditional use permit.

“There is an obvious tie to Cap Sante marina,” said Seth Allen, representative of Homestar Northwest.

He said the company plans to market the units to boat owners and marina users.

“These homes target boat owners and regular users of the marine-related industries and businesses located at the waterfront,” the company’s application states. “The buyer profile for this project is most likely to own a boat, use the marina and port facilities and other marina-related industries within the CM zoning.”

Another selling point is buyers can walk to the downtown commercial district.

“We’re really hoping to promote that as part of this project,” Allen said.

The proposed project includes an 800-square-foot retail space downstairs along with two three-story 1,700-square-foot town homes in building four (at far left in the conceptual drawing) and three buildings with four condos each, two 1,500-square-foot units downstairs and two 2,100-square-foot units upstairs.

Allen said the height of the three-story building is around 33 feet, below the 35-foot maximum for residences in the CM zone.

The company’s application says the concept is to break down what could have been a single massive building into smaller, more distinct parts.

“Several smaller buildings on the site allow us to provide variation in appearance along the same street frontage much like what you find in most of downtown Anacortes,” it states.

Resident Ross Barnes asked the Planning Commission to consider the city’s comprehensive plan when deciding whether to approve the project.

He read parts of the comp plan relating to residents in the commercial marine zone, noting residential units are allowed only if the project does not diminish or displace the purpose of the CM zone and residences “shall be” above the ground floor.

Barnes said this property is not like Ship Harbor or Skyline and its location across from Cap Sante Marina makes it a prime commercial marine spot. The city must conserve the property zoned for business and commercial use, he said.

“Once you use it up how are you going to get it back?” Barnes asked.

Commissioner Clay Leming asked Homestar Northwest representatives to take another look at the residential units on the ground floor.

“It’s hard for me to sit here and really think I’m going to let this entire parcel go to residential,” he said.

Leming said a 50/50 design, with half commercial and half residential, was more to his liking.

Planning commissioners will accept more public comment on the proposed development at their next meeting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8. A site visit is scheduled for that day at 5 p.m.

The City Council is scheduled to hear the conditional use application at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17.


Dog park takes shape atAce of Hearts Rotary Park

The dog park will be ready to open in the spring at its new location at Ace of Hearts Rotary Park, said Amy Terhune, dog park event coordinator.

That’s good news for dog owners here because the landowner of the temporary park, Homestar Northwest, plans to start building on its land on Ninth Street between Q and R avenues as early as next spring.

Terhune said the fence is up at the dog park at 38th Street and H Avenue, wood chips have been spread and seeding will happen soon. A concrete slab will be poured in the next couple weeks by the entrance and watering station added.

“We fully expect to be able to open if we wanted to some time late this year,” she said.

But there is talk of postponing the opening until spring to let the plants get more established.

Terhune said fence panel plaques are still available to help raise funds for the fence. Visit http://anacortesdogpark.com.