The mill is now closed, and the town has been in decline for years. The only way to preserve Port Gamble is to redevelop it, and the property owner has worked with the county on a redevelopment plan including small-scale commercial and tourism opportunities while preserving the town's historic integrity. The plan is a chance to extend history into the present in a way that is economically viable. This bill is not a loophole for sprawl. Historical landmarks are lost every day.
Economic vitality is an important part of historical preservation.
Comprehensive plans taking historic character and economic vitality into account will be important preservation tools. Bringing densities back to historic levels makes sense. The bill would allow Port Gamble, a unique historic resource, to develop in a financially sustainable manner, but technical amendments are needed to ensure consistency. The concept is good, but the need is questionable as other methods, including tourist centers and fully contained communities, can be used to assist Port Gamble. The bill needs to ensure that this will not be a huge urban growth area with huge infrastructure costs.