Concerns over ferry parking rise as the City of Anacortes prepares to improve Sixth Street and the new Guemes Ferry Terminal construction gets underway. The concerns are shared by both ferry riders and the residents of adjoining neighborhoods.

Signs protesting neighborhood parking lots have appeared near the ferry dock and many have assumed a connection. Arlene French kindly explains that they speak to another issue:

I am  a member SON, Save Our Neighborhoods and I want to assure you that the signs you are seeing, "No Parking Lots" , are in opposition to the GEMS LLC development of the Red Cannery at the foot of B Avenue, in Old Town.

GEMS bought 2 houses at the corner of 11th and D Avenue and 12th, to build an offsite parking lot for their proposed  2 story, 150 seat restaurant and 3 story, 32 room hotel on the pier. They will tear down the  2 houses and run shuttles back and forth, day and night, to the pier. We rallied the entire Old Town neighborhood to oppose this huge commercial development at the west end of our neighborhood. Jeri is a friend of mine and offered to put up a sign, unfortunately , the Guemes ferry project began at the same time.

I am sorry for the confusion, but, would appreciate it if you'd spread the word as to the signs. They are not anti-Guemes. If you have time, drive to 12th and D and you'll see a lot of signs. Anacortes Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on March 10th at 7:30, regarding the GEMS issue.

I hope this helps,

Arlene French

Anacortes American Report