Petition
As residents and landowners in PORT HADLOCK/IRONDALE, WASHINGTON we hereby demand straight answers to our questions about the PURPOSE, COSTS AND SCOPE of the Hadlock Sewer proposal and full participation in decision-making related to the proposed sewer project.
BACKGROUND:
There are some real problems with this sewer project proposal and loads of misinformation. Not only is it being pushed forward by people with vested interests, but the costs are to be borne by the residents as a whole. And, there are statements in some of the county documents that make it appear there is significant support for the sewer proposal, which is not true. Few residents of Port Hadlock favor this project. Most prefer the peace and quiet of this rural community, and that is why we live here. We don’t crave high density development.
DO WE GET TO VOTE ON THIS PROPOSAL OR NOT?
Some official county statements claim that Port Hadlock/Irondale landowners have the right to approve or reject the sewer proposal through a vote. Other statements claim that the Jefferson County Commissioners can decide on their own. Yet other statements imply that the project is already approved to be built. Which of these statements is true?
WHO WOULD BE REQUIRED TO HOOK UP TO THE SEWER?
Some official statements claim that the only landowners impacted by the sewer are in the Phase I area around the Port Hadlock business district. Other statements suggest that the only way to pay for this project is to require everyone to hook up. Which statement is true?
WHAT IS THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST FOR THE SEWER PROPOSAL?
Overall sewer project cost estimates range from over $100 million to $43 million to $23 million, making it impossible to assess which estimate is true. Hook up cost estimates range as high as $41,000 each.
PROPERTY TAXES WILL INCREASE
In addition to hook up costs and monthly sewer fees, a completed sewer system will increase property taxes. These combined costs will drive some people out of their homes and businesses.
SMALL GROUP DOESN’T REPRESENT ENTIRE PORT HADLOCK COMMUNITY
A small group of pro-development landowners, the “Sewer Working Group,” are pushing this sewer idea. Port Townsend already has a sewer system and yet one-third of its business and residential land still sits empty. There is insufficient demand and no need to open up areas for high density development in Port Hadlock.
CHIMACUM CREEK:
The plan includes the disturbing idea of discharging treated sewer water right next to Chimacum Creek, a salmon-bearing stream that many local volunteers and organizations fought hard to restore.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING CLAIMS:
Port Townsend recently received a state grant to build a 43-unit low income apartment building – a much less expensive solution for affordable housing than building a $100 million sewer in Hadlock.
CONCERNED RESIDENTS OF PORT HADLOCK
hadlocksewer@gmail.com
Concerned Residents of Port Hadlock 