So, why is that important to business? Access. As consumers, we want to drive directly to a place of business without leaving our normal ‘flight path’ to get there, and we want to find a parking place in front of that business. Granted, in a large metropolis like Seattle we expect to have stop and go traffic in the city and to park a couple of blocks from our destination, but not in Kitsap. As a semi-rural community, we still expect easy access. Cities in Kitsap are working to hold onto the best of both worlds: easy access and active downtown corridors.

Take Poulsbo for example. I spoke to Poulsbo’s Mayor Kathryn Quade about business in her city. Like other mayors, she understands that the City needs to help businesses attract consumers. With this in mind, access to business was a central theme of our discussion.

According to Mayor Quade, access through the City is being improved by the widening of Highway 305 along a two mile stretch through Poulsbo. “It will allow easier on and off access to this busy road and encourage people to visit businesses located there,” explained Quade.

One of the City’s concerns is how to better use the waterfront parking area, while still providing easy access to businesses in the downtown corridor. The Mayor noted, “We recently completed an assessment of parking in the downtown area. We hope to have a recommendation to Council by Spring 2007 that will address better use of this space.”

With an innovative approach to access issues, the Mayor has encouraged citizens to explore the idea of a magnetic levitation system — a light rail type system using a magnetic track rather than traditional fuel or power — between College Market Place and Bainbridge Island that would help alleviate the congestion along Highway 305 to the Bainbridge ferry. “There would be several access stations for commuters, and it is my vision to encourage transit oriented design at the terminus which could include dry cleaners, coffee shops, small grocery stores etc.” she continued.

Another form of access to businesses is by foot. For example, Poulsbo Place, a high density housing development within walking distance of downtown’s shops and businesses, is a great asset. The first of five phases is complete with 174 units, while the next phase includes 140. As more people move into places like Poulsbo Place, there is more demand on services and business in Poulsbo. “If companies are within walking distance for residents, all the better. People love to walk to the bakery, the park, a restaurant. What we need in downtown right now is a corner grocery store,” said Mayor Quade.

It appears that downtown cities in Kitsap, such as Poulsbo, Bremerton and Port Orchard, are aggressively attempting to make their downtown cores accessible and convenient for both pedestrians and automobiles. They are setting the table for business — what can you do to help your city increase its accessibility and help your business?

(Editor’s Note: Wendy Miles, Director of Customized Training and Military Education at Olympic College, oversees the operation of the Kitsap Business Assistance Center (KBAC). For partnership opportunities, contact hers at 360-475-7786. For KBAC counseling services contact Rand Riedrich at 360-307-4220, rriedrich@oc.ctc.edu.).