Port Commission approves planning funds for North Bay

First step in redevelopment of Interbay property

The Port of Seattle Commission has approved spending $5.6 million to prepare a master plan, obtain permits and perform other work needed to redevelop 57 acres of unused property on The Uplands at North Bay.

The project focuses on port-owned property at the Terminal 91 complex in the Interbay area, between the Queen Anne and Magnolia neighborhoods. The planning area, which includes 25 acres owned by the National Guard, totals 82 acres.

The Port owns approximately 120 acres of land in the immediate area. A total of 60 acres would be preserved exclusively for maritime industrial uses, including all of Piers 90 and 91 and land north of the Magnolia bridge currrently leased to long-term tenants.

A key objective of the planning effort is to create jobs and new economic opportunities by integrating the current maritime-industrial base with new knowledge-based activities, such as research and development. Another specific objective is creation of a new long-term source of revenue to stabilize the Port's bottom line and provide funds to invest in new economic development activities.

"This is a rare opportunity to take a large site close to downtown Seattle and create a center of economic activity that will help sustain the region for the next 50 years," said Port of Seattle Commission President Patricia Davis. "Creating economic vitality is the Port's most important mission, and The Uplands at North Bay will play a key role with our maritime and aviation activities to accomplish that mission."

"While it's too soon to predict what kinds of land uses we'll have at North Bay, the area is too valuable to leave vacant," said Tom Tierney, the Port's Deputy CEO and Managing Director of the agency's Economic Development Division.

Tierney said any development in the area must result in a positive return on the Port's investment. It also must provide economic and community benefits for the region as a whole, Tierney added. The focus will be on creating an area that will attract businesses and industries that will bolster the region's economy and employment base over the long term.

Davis pointed out that branching out into new areas of economic development in no way signals a turning away from maritime activities. In fact, a positive long-term financial return will help sustain the Port's maritime base, she said. Extensive community outreach has already begun, and she said the views of community organizations, businesses and other stakeholders will be reflected in the development plan.

"We've invested over $600 million in marine cargo terminals over the past 10 years and we're working on improvements that will add to our capacity and improve our efficiency," Davis said. "Our container volumes are growing and we are seeking new business and new customers."

Davis said the Port is also making significant investments related to the fishing industry, recreational boating and the passenger cruise business.

The initial planning and permitting work at North Bay will continue into 2006, when construction may also begin. Public outreach efforts are scheduled to begin this year and continue through 2005.