Ripe for Revitalization

BRIDGEPORT – City contract planner Kurt Danison addressed the Bridgeport City Council about the need to develop a revitalization plan during the group’s regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 17. Danison reviewed the elements of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the Department of Commerce and how those funds could help the city improve its commercial base.

The objective, as Danison explained it, is to “build a resilient community with a vibrant economy, employment opportunities, strong businesses, and stable housing markets in which families and businesses want to invest.” He recommended that the Highway 173 corridor that runs through the center of downtown Bridgeport be the target area.

Danison recommended that city officials adopt a strategy that:
• Assesses the existing physical structures and infrastructure of the focus area.
• Develops goals and policies with respect to economic redevelopment, rehabilitation or development of housing (including multi-family rental housing), and the improvement or expansion of infrastructure.
• Prioritizes objectives and develops a timetable for implementing the goals.

In his assessment of the city’s current condition, Danison explained that Bridgeport has changed dramatically since the completion of Chief Joseph Dam in 1979.

“Many of these changes have resulted in a legacy of shuttered businesses, abandoned commercial structures, and deteriorating housing stock.”

Danison said the city’s primary economic base is connected to tree fruit production, processing and storage, accounting for 56 percent of the workforce and the Bridgeport School District with 11 percent of the workforce.

The 2010 census indicated that 77 percent of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, 69 percent speak a language other than English at home, and median household income is $36,563 “well below the $51,908 reported for Douglas County,” Danison said.

Danison proposed the drafting of a Community Revitalization Plan that would:
• Focus on the State Route (SR) 173 corridor.
• Complete a detailed inventory and assessment of existing structures, uses and infrastructure for the SR 173 corridor.
• Follow a community involvement process to identify community needs and desires for the corridor.
• Develop specific goals and policies to guide revitalization.
• List objectives and priorities for implementation of the plan.

In other council business, Mayor Janet Conklin said the Hooked on Kids Fishing Derby is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, to coincide with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Free Fishing Weekend.

The council scheduled the Atomic Way Street Vacation for its next regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 15.

There remains a need for lifeguards to staff the Bridgeport Public Pool this year. Conklin reported that so far just one individual has been hired and several more are needed to meet pool safety requirements. Interested candidates are urged to contact city hall at (509) 686-4041.