Community Government

Council officially names new park in honor of Doris Heritage

Phase 1B of the Gig Harbor Sports Complex is nearly complete – and it has a name.

The Gig Harbor City Council voted 6-1 on Monday, April 28, to name the park in honor of Doris Heritage. Heritage, a Peninsula High alumna, ran in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics, is a member of the U. S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame and won multiple national championships during her career.

The council previously decided to call the site Doris Brown Heritage Park. Heritage asked that “Brown” being dropped from the park’s name.

In early April, the Parks Commission recommended that the park be named Galloping Gertie Park. In casting the sole “no” vote at Monday’s meeting, Councilmember Jeni Woock sided with the parks commission’s preference.

The park will formally open this month.

Multifamily tax exemption

City staff presented information on a multifamily tax exemption program (MFTE), which would exempt builders from paying property taxes for 12 years on new multi-family units constructed in certain residential zones. The MFTE program is intended to encourage construction of affordable housing.

It would also comply with state legislation requiring cities to incorporate affordable housing strategies to “accommodate all economic segments of the community.” The legislation requires that at least 20% of new units be affordable for low- and moderate-income households.

The proposed city ordinance would establish a framework for future owners of multi-family properties to apply for a tax exemption. It doesn’t guarantee they will receive it, Community Development Director Eric Baker said.

The council will continue its discussion on the MFTE program and possibly vote to approve it at the May 12 meeting.

Accessory dwelling units

The council discussed an ordinance related to the development of accessory dwelling units to comply with a state law passed in July 2023. The law requires the city adopt new rules relating to ADUs. The council will vote on the proposed ordinance at the May 12 meeting. Click here to read more about accessory dwelling units.

Financial report

Finance Director Dave Rodenbach reported that city revenues are down about 11%, mainly because development is soft and building permit fees are down. Sales tax revenues were up slightly in January, February and March, but down about 3.5% in April. City expenses are holding steady.

Upcoming meetings

The council meets for a study session at 3 p.m. Thursday, May 1, to hear updates on the city’s Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) program, and on the use of Transportation Impact Fees. Councilmembers will also discuss a proposed parking study. The meeting will be held in the community rooms at the civic center on Grandview Street.

Also on May 1, the civil service commission will meet at 3 p.m. and the planning commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the civic center.

The next regular council meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 12, at the civic center.