Kim Selby, an urban planner with NBBJ, shares information during the May 26 waterfront workshop

Kim Selby, an urban planner with NBBJ, shares information during the May 26 waterfront workshop

Port of Vancouver USA commissioners and staff, consultants, and members of the community gathered at a May 26 public workshop to talk about the master planning process for the port’s 13 waterfront acres in Vancouver.

The port’s consulting team, led by NBBJ, is gathering information from a variety of sources to begin developing a comprehensive and suitable master plan. During the workshop, the team provided an overview of the master planning process, shared general impressions from stakeholder interviews, presented examples of waterfront concepts from around the world, and received input from the commission and public. View the entire presentation here.

As the workshop opened, NBBJ principal John Savo urged the commission and audience to share feedback as the planning process gets rolling: “This is our opportunity to hear from you…before we put pencil to paper.”

Nearly everyone who shared their thoughts about the project stressed the importance of community and connectivity as the port develops its birthplace on the Columbia River.

“I want this whole community to be comfortable when they go down to the waterfront,” said Commission president Nancy Baker. “I want this to be the community’s waterfront.”

“We know we have a tremendous asset down there, both a business asset and community asset,” said Commissioner Jerry Oliver. “Long after the three of us (commissioners) are gone, we want something worthwhile that will benefit the community.”

“Do something that enhances that public area,” said Commissioner Brian Wolfe. “We need to complement Columbia Waterfront LLC’s development and the green spaces (along the river).”

The city of Vancouver and Columbia Waterfront LLC (CWLLC) have been partnering with the port for more than a decade to develop 35 acres adjacent to the port’s property. Speaking at the workshop, CWLLC developer Barry Cain expressed his appreciation for the commission’s comments. He lauded the port’s ability as a public entity to create a civic draw to the waterfront, such as a visitors’ center or museum, and the connectivity that can bring to the entire waterfront revitalization effort.

Public comments also reflected excitement about the project and the site’s possibilities. Commenters provided additional examples of waterfront areas to consider, including Frenchman’s Bar Park in Vancouver; the riverfront in Spokane, Washington; Paris’s River Seine; and waterfront areas in Denmark. Comments also addressed accessibility, affordability, and the need to reflect a Pacific Northwest feel.

The port and NBBJ recorded all comments and feedback. Over the next three weeks, the project team will work to develop concepts that reflect the needs of the site, the composition of the nearby community, and public and commission feedback.

The port will hold another workshop on June 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. to share initial siting concepts and gather more input. The public is welcome at that meeting, as well as at a July 15 open house, where the port and its consultants will share preliminary concept plans.

Waterfront workshops are live-streamed and recorded on www.cvtv.org. You can learn more and share your thoughts by visiting www.portvanusa.com/industrial/waterfront-legacy-project, engaging with us on Twitter @portvanusa, and contacting us at info@portvanusa.com or 360-693-3611.