Port 2 looking for laundromat location

Port District 2's plans to construct a laundromat at Skamokawa Vista Park have come to a standstill for the moment.

They have the architect's drawings, they have the financing, they have access to water, but they don't have a sewer connection.

Commissioners had planned to construct the facility at the entrance to Vista Park where the old park office was located.

However, the port was notified by the Skamokawa Sewer and Water District that the district has reached the maximum number of connections for the sewer system's capacity.

Port officials now wonder if either of Vista Park's two drainfields would be adequate for a laundry facility. If not, they ask, what other projects should they pursue?

Manager Janet Bryan said Tuesday she has asked a consultant to evaluate the park's main drainfield to determine its potential to handle a laundry; commissioners asked her to include both in the evaluation.

Bryan also said she had contacted the county Building and Planning Department and learned that if they located the laundromat near one of the park restrooms, they wouldn't need a restroom in the laundromat. They could also enlarge the building and include an office for port managers, allowing them to turn the present office into a rental unit for park visitors.

Port officials would like to add some park model cabins to the park and build an office.

"Maybe we should see what we can do with them before we do other projects," said Commissioner Brian O'Connor. "We should stick with the goals at hand before we start other projects."

All agreed and will await a report at the July meeting.

In other business, Skamokawa resident Jon Peterson asked about progress to get citizens to clean their possessions off port property along Pleasant Point Road.

Port Attorney Tim Hanigan and Commissioner O'Connor said much work has been done.

Peterson said there were still tarps and other debris behind one residence; he also thanked the port officials for all they've done to have the area cleaned.