Port leaders may change scheme

Commissioners for the Port of South Whidbey will hold a public hearing on potential amendments to the port’s comprehensive scheme next week.

Commissioners for the Port of South Whidbey will hold a public hearing on potential amendments to the port’s comprehensive scheme next week.

The comprehensive scheme is the port’s plan for potential projects and other activities that runs through 2013, and the hearing is planned for May 24.

Substantial changes are on the table, according to the draft amendment that will guide the discussion during the hearing.

The plan may be changed so port officials can:

“Lead efforts to purchase land and develop a business/industrial park within Port District boundaries;

“Install surveillance cameras at port district sites to enhance marine security and inform users of access and availability of facilities;

“Coordinate with the Port of Everett, the city of Mukilteo and other agencies as necessary to develop tourist and visitor parking within walking distance of the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal.”

Several previous projects mentioned in the plan will be removed, such as supporting the Possession Point estuary project, improving the grandstand at Dave Mackie Park and establishing a marine fuel facility.

According to the port, the plan may also be changed to reflect other projects such as the commercial kitchen at the fairgrounds, cell tower installation and/or leases on port property and a funicular in Langley.

Dane Anderson, finance manager for the port, stressed that the draft was just that, a draft. Public input will be used as changes are considered by the port board.

The meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, in the meeting room at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church  in Clinton.