Thursday, October 1, 2026
I am deeply concerned by the Port of Olympia Commissioners’ decision to move forward with potential development on the Port Peninsula — before the Port Peninsula Master Planning process has been completed. This move by our elected officials disregards the public’s right to help shape the future of this important waterfront area.
The master plan was initiated to determine the future of the entire Port Peninsula that included the marine terminal and the log yard leased by the Weyerhaeuser Corporation. Port Commissioners have effectively suspended the broader planning effort to consider development of a waterfront parcel near Swantown Marina.
This premature action by Commissioners Amy Evans-Harding, Bob Iyall, Sarah Montano, Maggie Sanders and Jasmine Vasavada undermines public trust and cuts the present day community out of decisions that will impact our shoreline for generations.
Port commissioners and staff must end their discussions about this proposed development and recommit to an inclusive master planning process that is driven by the input of residents living in Thurston County today.
Carla Wulfsberg is resident of Tumwater.
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Wesley
Master planning is not intended to bring short-term planning, progress, and works to a halt. The business of The Port goes on regardless. We've plenty of chances for public participation.
Thursday, June 26, 2025 Report this
Southsoundguy
Abolish the Port.
Thursday, June 26, 2025 Report this
TheGreatAnon
Abolish Southsoundguy
Thursday, June 26, 2025 Report this
northbeachcomm
The Port of Olympia "Master Plan" for the peninsula on Budd Inlet has not done. Yet the current Port Commissioners push development of a water front parcel near the Swan Town Marina. But public comment has been constant over the past year, asking the Port for a "Public Meeting/discussion" on some of these issues, where the public can ask questions, and get reasonable answers. So far, that has not happened.
The Port Exec. Director promises public workshops, where this dialogue can happen, but these have not appeared since the director was hired, over a year ago. This isthmus, the peninsula, is built on fill dirt. It will liquefy during an earth quake, everyone knows this. But Port commissioners have discussed using tax payer dollars to build one or two buildings near the Swan Town Marina. The Port commissioners know that Olympia has many nearby buildings downtown, sitting empty. Public comment on this has been constant. But Port commissioners want to use tax payer dollars to build another empty building near Swan town marina. What about the Port budget? Port fiances? Where is the money to come from? More taxes from our county?
Sunday, October 5, 2025 Report this