Industrial land will get study

Town officials didn't have to look far to find a consultant to develop a revitalization plan for La Conner's once-bustling south-end industrial area.

The Beckwith Consulting Group, based in La Conner, has been offered a contract to craft a plan for the 3-acre site of the former San Juan Islands Pea Cannery and Moore-Clark fish feed plant.

Town Administrator Scott Thomas and Assistant Planner Ajah Eills told the Weekly News that they expected to receive a signed contract from the consultant this week.

Beckwith Consulting will identify potential uses for the area, including economic opportunities for those with limited incomes. Thomas has described it as "an underutilized area that is an ideal location for redevelopment."

The project is funded through a $30,000 state Community Development Block Grant provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The scope of the grant award includes reviews of south-end shoreline transportation issues, among them the town's proposed extension of First Street south to Caledonia.

The street extension depends on resolving the vacant and dilapidated Moore-Clark Building. Town officials say it straddles several feet of public right-of-way.

The town has deemed the building a public safety hazard and installed perimeter fencing to keep people from getting too close to the structure.

The plan for south-end renewal will be shaped by public input, which in the past has included advocacy for affordable housing.

Thomas and Town Planner Michael Davolio have both stated the importance of public involvement and the desire to engage property owners.

Beckwith Consulting's report will address projects and policies to stabilize nearby single-family neighborhoods, improve multi-family housing options and reduce land-use conflicts.

Town leaders also envision the plan generating opportunities for south-end recreational land uses and ultimately serving as a model for effective and equitable growth as well as improved public health and livability guidelines.

The town selected Beckwith Consulting for the job based on its extensive background in landscape and urban planning and established connections in La Conner. Thomas said Beckwith has also assisted with work on the Town of Concrete's comprehensive plan.

Thomas noted Tom Beckwith's service on the Board of Directors of the Museum of Northwest Art in downtown La Conner.

"He's been very involved with MoNA," Thomas said. "He has a lot of interest in La Conner."

Aside from his consulting team, Beckwith will not bill for his own involvement with the south-end planning project, said Thomas.

"What he does personally will be pro bono," Thomas said.

The Beckwith company was founded in 1983. It specializes in a wide range of planning and design projects, including those related to visioning, economics, housing, recreation, parks, geotourism, trails, wayfinding, regulations, streetscapes, developments and facilities.

Eills said the south-end land use study will be undertaken this summer and fall.

"It's scheduled to be completed by Dec. 31," she said. "We're just waiting for him (Beckwith) to drop off a signed contract."