An increasing number of Olalla residents are leaving no doubt where they stand on the issue of the Olalla Bay Market, whose owner, Gregg Olsen, recently filed a $35 million tort claim against Kitsap County.

At the county commissioners meeting Aug. 12 residents overwhelmingly supported the market. Some wore Olalla Bay attire, and more held up signs with messages such as: “Please hear Olalla voices,” “Community over conflict” and “Olalla stands together for local business.”

“I mean, this is half the population,” said Tim Mullenix, a comment followed by laughter and cheers.

Olsen and the market have been subjected to numerous complaints that have led to various county actions against the market, including a brief mandated stoppage of food service, alcohol sales and removal of an $8,000 garden. The complaints have been submitted to county officials, law enforcement and Kitsap 911 and have allegedly resulted in loss of public image and decreased revenue. Olsen said most of the complaints have come from a neighboring county public works employee and his family.

At the commissioners meeting, Huguette Marsicano with the Olalla Lavender Festival said complaints can seem widespread online but they’re really from a handful of people who have “misrepresented the community’s sentiments about Olalla Bay Market and the Olsens.”

That belief led her to create a petition in support of the market, which had 1,719 signatures that night. “This overwhelming response underscores how vital the market is to our community,” she said.

The Olalla Bay Market and Landing have each played host to a variety of live performances and open mics, paint and sips, AA meetings and more. But above all, the site has been revived into a community destination. “When I look down there now, instead of seeing meth addicts having bonfires at 4 a.m. ‘cause I can see it right from my bedroom window, I see children down there. I see moms enjoying their time,” Mullenix said.

Joanne Clark showed before and after photographs of the property and added: “Things got bad for a long time to where we did not go there. I love this place, the (the Olsens) have really enhanced our lives in Olalla.”

Despite now living in Hoquiam, Kaddie Jones continues to visit the market and made the almost two-hour drive just to attend the meeting. “I’m just hoping that you guys (the commissioners) want to protect the gem that we have there in Olalla.”

Criticism of the county was minimal throughout the night. Residents instead asked for the board to consider both the impact the market has had since its opening in 2023 and the role the county plays with small businesses. “The county and its departments should always be seen as trusted allies and not intimidating adversaries,” Marsicano said.

Commissioner Charlotte Garrido, who Olsen claims held a “deeper, hidden relationship” with the complaining employee and spouse, did not provide an answer for whether she approved of the market. “Obviously, they all care about their community of Olalla, and they want us to know what they think. You know, I need to be advised by all of the input that I get, and I am still getting it.”

Commissioner Katie Walters said she could not comment on pending litigation, eventually leading Garrido away from the interview. Commissioner Christine Rolfes was absent from the meeting and therefore, unavailable for comment.

Commissioner Charlotte Garrido listens to comments at the meeting. Commissioner Katie Walters is not shown, but to her left.