Recently, the Port of Kingston purchased two adjacent lots on Appletree Cove. Speaking for myself, I believe that Kingston will be well served by this move.

Washington’s 1889 constitution sought to safeguard public access to tidelands and harbors. The Port District Act of 1911 provided the means to do this and, in 1919, the Port of Kingston was established to build a pubic wharf for the Sound’s “Mosquito Fleet.” I believe the Port’s property purchases on West Kingston Road is in accord with this core purpose. There is a nearby parallel to this purchase with the county’s purchase of the previous Navy housing property which today is our Village Green Park.

Kingston’s waterfront and seaport both define our downtown and are key assets to its economy. In the near term, the Port staff will be busy making this property suitable for public access by clearing underbrush, planting grass, removing hazards and ensuring the neighbors privacy.

While the long-term plans for these lots have yet to be made, I believe public access and sustaining the quality of our downtown neighborhood and its economy will be the top priorities.

Walt Elliott
Commissioner
Port of Kingston