Communication
Plan for Gate Replacement Project
Contact - Jason Walter
Situation
Browns Point Improvement Club (BPIC) will be replacing the gate at the
entrance to our parking lot this fall. When completed, a more attractive
entrance to our facility will be created. The new gate will also allow
BPIC to better manage parking availability for members, rental guests,
and the general public.
Background
The existing structure is unattractive, dangerous, and out of compliance
with current county code. It was intended to be a temporary structure
when built more than 20 years ago. At that time a more attractive and
permanent structure was envisioned, with construction to begin as soon
as sufficient funds became available.
The BPIC board and general membership have an obligation to maintain
and protect our facility so that future generations can enjoy it as we
do. Over the past several years, increasing use of our parking lot for
purposes unrelated to BPIC's activities has caused increasing problems
for the BPIC and our neighbors. The surrounding communities of Tacoma
and Federal Way have grown by tens of thousands of residents, placing
increased pressure on public parks in our area. Parking in our lot by
those using our property or accessing the Lighthouse Park has increased
correspondingly. As a result, parking in our lot is now frequently unavailable
for our sponsored activities and rentals, preventing those with a need
for parking from easily accessing our facility. Security and liability
insurance costs related to the parking lot are rising rapidly. Litter,
vandalism, and other illegal activities routinely occur. As a result
of these and other long-standing problems, some modifications to the
existing public parking policies are required.
With the cooperation and support of Pierce County, we are taking steps
to improve the entrance to our facility and address the problems created
by the current parking lot and gate configuration.
Strategy
The general membership of the BPIC has voted to fund the construction
of a new gate. The gate will not restrict pedestrian access. Vehicular
access through the gate will be provided to all BPIC members. Public
parking in our lot may be restricted from the current level to avoid
conflicts with our activities, ensure the safety of the neighborhood,
and manage our liability risk. Specific policies for managing the lot
will be determined prior to January 2004. Requests for public parking
will be handled by the BPIC board, consistent with existing policy. Pierce
County road engineers will help BPIC design and build a gate and entrance
structure that minimizes impacts to our neighbors and enhances the beauty
of our facility. BPIC will work with Metropolitan Park District to address
parking limitations in the Lighthouse Park.
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