By Pepper Fisher

PORT ANGELES – On the heels of last week’s groundbreaking ceremony and the news that Habitat For Humanity is planning to build over 50 affordable/workforce housing units in Sequim, we got word that Habitat has now purchased a derelict property in Port Angeles and plans to build a 4-plex there.

For years the City of Port Angeles has pursued enforcement action at the corner of Fairmont Avenue and Hazel Street. A house fire resulted in the residence becoming uninhabitable and junk accumulated in what remained of the house and all over the site.

City Manager Nathan West says the property owner was uncooperative despite City enforcement efforts, but the City’s Legal Department was eventually able to commence condemnation proceedings, which led to a good outcome.

“That triggered the property owner to actually consider selling to the City of Port Angeles. The City was then able to turn the property around and put it out for a request for proposals. And now we’ve seen Habitat for Humanity become the successful proposer. Whenever we have a complaint that is impacting an entire neighborhood, and I will tell you, I personally received multiple complaints from different individuals in this neighborhood about the burnt down house, it’s important we find a way to follow through and turn that situation around. So, extremely grateful to Habitat for Humanity for stepping up and making that turn around a reality.”

Habitat’s Executive Director Colleen Robinson last week presented details to the City Council, describing their plan to build 4 new housing units. West said it’s another step toward fulfilling the City’s top Strategic Plan priority for new housing.