Coast Guard Will Review Decision On Lighthouse Ruling In Favor Of Preservation Society Appealed By Kitsap County Coalition

Fri., Dec. 26, 1997

Associated Press

A group of local citizens has been dealt a blow in its battle with Kitsap County to win control of the Point No Point lighthouse.

The U.S. Coast Guard said this week it is reviewing its decision to award a long-term lease for the property to the Point No Point Lighthouse Preservation Society.

The society was selected to receive the lease Dec. 17.

A request from Kitsap County, representing a coalition of interests wanting to be the leaseholder, was rejected.

In rescinding its decision, the Coast Guard, in a statement Tuesday, “urged Kitsap County and the … society to work together to achieve a mutually agreeable proposal that is in the best interest and long-term benefit of the lighthouse.”

“This was not done at our initiative. It’s out of our hands,” said a disappointed Sandy Wenberg, society president.

The county told the Coast Guard that if it were the leaseholder, it would include representation from the society as a part of an operational coalition.

The society, consisting of 30 mostly local property owners, had made no provision to include the county or any other group on its board.

The society was formed in mid-November at the urging of Ann Grasso, a real estate specialist with the Coast Guard’s maintenance and logistics command at Alameda, Calif.

The county called the selection process unfair and appealed to the commanding officers of the 13th Coast Guard District in Seattle and the Pacific Command.

“We are gratified by their decision to review this matter and by their request for a joint proposal. I think we can develop a joint proposal which will meet everyone’s concerns, including the society, greater Hansville community, S’Klallam Tribe, state Department of Fisheries and sports fishermen,” said Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Endresen.

She said a coordinating meeting with all parties will be held in January.

The facility consists of the lighthouse and a duplex home on three acres which provide public access to the beach which is heavily used by fishermen and others.

Area residents long have complained about heavy traffic, illegal parking, trespassing, litter, vandalism and other problems associated with public access to the lighthouse property.

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