Waterfront Development Update: We Need Your Help More Than Ever
Hello Changemakers! Please read through this message for a detailed update and action items that we need from our community!
First, thank you.
THOUSANDS of you signed this petition because you believe Ridgefield deserves a waterfront that reflects the values of our community. Your voices have already made a difference.
Because of this community's involvement, the Port has delayed their signing of the MOU, and has decided to pause any further contract signing this summer while they host engagement opportunities with the community. This has been a great victory for buying us time, but now we need to be very proactive during the time that we have! That said, the Port has indicated that Phase 1 is "confirmed," however, no contracts have been signed yet. To many of us, that means there is still time to make changes.
Where things stand today
The Port has shared that its current direction for Phase 1 includes:
- The public 9 acre park with flexible event space
- A 58 room "boutique" hotel
- One office building
- One mixed-use building
- One residential building
They've also stated that the architectural design, character of the development, and public spaces remain open for community input.
Phase 2 is still being developed and remains more flexible, although the Port has indicated it will also include housing.
We know many of us hoped for a different overall vision that aligned better with our community's current wants and needs. One with more open space, recreation, and preservation and less residential development. We believe our voices still deserve to be heard.
The conversation is not over. No development contracts have been signed.
One concern we've heard is that the Port still views those opposed to this plan as a "loud minority." Whether or not that's an accurate characterization, the best way to demonstrate broad community support is through continued participation - not just signatures.
Here's how you can help right now
1. Complete the Port's Community Survey (Most Important)
If you do only one thing, please complete the Port's survey. Every response helps demonstrate what our community wants for the waterfront. Please take your time and pay close attention as you fill out the questions.
➡️ Survey Link
2. Share this Petition
Help us reach even more Ridgefield residents so decision-makers can see how many people care about the future of this special place. Please note that donations made through Change.org do not go to our campaign. You can contact us directly for information about fundraising efforts at preserverw@gmail.com or follow us on our Facebook group
3. Attend Community Engagement Events
The Port has scheduled opportunities for residents to provide feedback this summer. Showing up matters - they need to see as many faces as possible at these events. They need to be accountable to the questions and concerns we have! Check out the schedule and commit to come to at least one.
Port Public Engagement Event schedule
4. Write the Port
Respectful, thoughtful emails help ensure community priorities remain part of the conversation. Check out our Linktree for a sample email if you need help. Email addresses are listed in our link as well as below. https://linktr.ee/PreserveRidgefieldWaterfront
eperry@portridgefield.org - Executive Director – Ethan Perry
arussell@portridgefield.org - Administration & Operations Manager – Abbi Russell
info@portridgefield.org - General Port email - you can cc this on all your emails
Commissioners:
bwiseman@portridgefield.org - Bruce Wiseman
shughes@portridgefield.org - Scott Hughes
jmelroy@portridgefield.org - Joe Melroy
5. Attend Port Commission & City Council Meetings
Public comments become part of the official record and remind our elected leaders that the community remains engaged, and they owe it to their constiuents to listen.
Port of Ridgefield Commission meetings are held at 3 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, in person at the Port offices – 101 Mill Street, Suite 100, Ridgefield, WA
The Ridgefield City Council regularly meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from January through October, and on the first and third Thursday during November and December. Regular sessions begin at 6:30 PM, while study sessions generally occur at 4:00 PM on those same dates. [1]
Meetings are held in the Columbia Assembly Room at the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center (RACC), located at 510 Pioneer Street
THANK YOU! Let's keep pushing hard so they understand that we are not just a loud minority, there are many of us who feel this way and we are not going to stop the momentum now!
Every survey completed, every meeting attended, every email written, and every conversation shared helps shape what this waterfront ultimately becomes.
We have work to do, and our waterfront is worth it! Thank you for standing with us.
Please check out our Linktree for all of this information in one place!
https://linktr.ee/PreserveRidgefieldWaterfront